~a&fa *£>- ■£&■- 

5nSeD STAGES OF AMERICA. 






f 



Ipa^c^izz^ mtzc/yfry 



THE 



GEMS OF MASONRY; 



EMBLEMATIC 



AS D 



DESCRIPTIVE 






CINCINNATI: 

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 

1859. 



r-* . <^ > 



** 



Vks* 



«b- 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859, 

BY JOHN SHERER, 

In the District Court of the United States for the Southern 

District of Ohio. 



TO THE BROTHER 

ho has litorlm! his Iftap ©hroujh. 



I hail you, brother, in the place 

Where none but those should meet 
Whose types are bended knee and brow 

And the uncovered feet — 
I take you by the grip expressing 

All that heart can feel, 
1 And I pledge myself to be to you 

A Brother true as steel! 

I've watched with real joy your quest 

So ardent and so rare, — 
Your bold, unflinching gaze upon 

The things we most revere : 
Fve seen that nothing daunts you 

la the paths our lights reveal, 
H And I pledge myself again to you 

A Brother true as steel I 

I think there's that within you, 

Only needs for time to show, 
Will kindle up a flame where others 

Only feel a glow ; — 
I think the grave will claim you 

As a Mason ripe and leal, — 
III And so once more I pledge myself 

A Brother true as steel 1 



PREFACE 



A perusal of the elegant and impressive matter contained 
in this little volume, will naturally prompt the inquiry, to 
whom is the Fraternity indebted for this collection of gems? 
Nothing, I apprehend, now in possession of the Craft, so 
sparkles with the genuine rays of Masonic light, as what in 
this publication T have styled " The Gems of Masonry; " and I 
will frankly state that it is chiefly to the genius and Masonic 
knowledge of Bros. Henry Parmele and Rob Morris, I am in- 
debted for the labor and skill so manifest in the selec- 
tions. The Scriptural passages and illustrations are for 
the most part those embraced in the " Masonic Chart," by 
Parmele, published in Philadelphia in 1819, once very 
popular, but long since out of print. The beauty of 
Parmele's work is unparalleled. Though published in 
a form unworthy of such a subject, the intrinsic 
merit of his compilation, has been admitted by every 



11 PREFACE. 

subsequent author, and nothing of later date has equaled 
it in the peculiar graces for which it is distinguished. 

Many years since I conceived the idea of republishing 
" The Freemasons' Library, and General Ahiman Rezon," 
but with the improvement of inserting the emblems in 
juxtaposition with the monitorial passages. This had never 
been done, neither Cross, Tannehill, Hardie nor Cole, the 
only ritualists at that period, subsequent to Webb, having 
thought of so great and palpable an improvement. Before I 
had matured my project, however, others to whom I com- 
municated my ideas, adopted them and preceded me in a 
publication in which the emblems and the monitorial matter 
are intermingled. 

But as yet, Parmele's work has never been republished upon 
that plan, and I now offer to my old and honored patrons, and 
to the reading public generally, "The G-ems of Masonry," 
bright as the jewels in the diadem of a king. Every page of 
this book challenges the admiration of the reader. The first 
sentence in it is a lecture, a sermon, a whole volume of sug- 
gestive, condensed thought. For extracts of abounding power 
and loveliness, read those on pages 3, 5, 8, 10, and indeed 
nearly every other. The emblems, cuts and pictorial matter 
are entirely my own, agreeing in arrangement with my Car- 
pets of the first nine degrees, so long and so thoroughly ap- 
probated by the highest judicatures of Freemasonry, and ena- 



PREFACE. Ill 

bling the intelligent reader to elucidate Masonic ceremonies 
and doctrines as with the light of a noonday sun. 

"With grateful returns to my patrons for their past kindness, 
and an earnest solicitation that they will extend to the " Gems 
of Masonry " the favor my other publications have so long 
enjoyed, 

I am, Respectfully and Fraternally, 

JOHN SHERER. 
Cincinnati and Louisville, March 1st, 1859. 



ENTERED APPRENTICE. 




F— PRAYER. 

F. . . At first, man was permitted to converse with his Maker, 
face to face. But since the fall, a new mode of communication 
has been divinely instituted between the soul and its Creator. 
And, surely, no rational man should enter upon any important 
undertaking without first invoking the blessing of Deity. — Mon. 
32. — Harris* Const. 150. — Frest. 50. 

F. . .But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and 
pray to thy Father which is in secret : and thy Father, which 
seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. — Matt, vi, 6. 

C. . . This emblem calls to mind the piety of Abraham, Noah, 
Abel, and. the great lawgiver of the Hebrews, who all erected 
altars, and offered sacrifices to the living God. 

E. . .The Holy Bible is given us to direct our faith, animate 
our hope, and awaken our charity; the square is an emblem of 
those two inestimable gifts of heaven to man, the law of Moses and 



2 ENTERED APPRENTICE. 

the gospel of Christ, meeting in a point, and squaring all our 
actions. The compasses, being emblematical of human reason, 
are to be placed, one foot in the angle of the square — while the 
other describes the boundary line of masonic and christian duty: 
and may it not, with propriety, be said that, While a man keeps' 
himself thus circumscribed, it is impossible that he should ma- 
terially err? Thus the masonic brother derives a fund of instruc- 
tion from those emblems, which are esteemed by the world, as 
unmeaning symbols ; and which are often presumptuously de- 
nominated, the childish appendages of our order. — Free Mas, Lib. 
149. Keych. v. p. 13. 

K. . . In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 
And the earth was without form, and void ; and darkness was upon 
the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the 
face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light : and there 
was light. And God saw the light that it was good : and God 
divided the light from the darkness. And God called the light 
Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and 
the morning were the first day. And God said, Let there be a 
firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters 
from the waters. And God made the firmament, and divided the 
waters which were under the firmament from the waters which 
were above the firmament : and it was so. And God called the 
firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the 
second day. And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be 
gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear : 
and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth ; and the 
gathering together of the waters called he Seas : and God saw 
that it was good. And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, 
the herb yielding seed, and the fruit-tree yielding fruit after 
his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth : and it was 
so. And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding 
seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed 
was in itself, after his kind ; and God saw that it was good. 
And the evening and the morning were the third day. And God 
said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven, to divide 
the day from the night ; and let them be for signs, and for sea- 
sons, and for days, and years : And let them be for lights in the 
firmament of the heaven, to give light upon the earth : and it 
was so. And God made two great lights : the greater light to 
rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night : he made the 



FIKST SECTION. 



stars also. — Gen. i, 1 — 16. And the evening and the morning 
were the fourth day. — Gen. i, 19. Sun, stand thou still upon 
Gibeon, and thou, Moon, in the valley of Ajalon. 





K.. .As this heavenly body receives all her light from the sun, 
so does the best created intelligence derive every blessing and 
every virtue from the sun of righteousness. Even the brightest 
saint in heaven possesses no independent goodness, but will shine 
for ever with the reflected splendors of the great divinity. At his 
rising, meridian, and setting, this splendid luminary invites us to 
labor, to refreshment, and to repose. When, after the absence of 
a few hours, he emerges from the shades of night, he typifies the 
journey of the human soul, through youth, manhood, and age f 
and through the shades of the sepulchre to the opening morning 
of eternity. — Hutch. Lee. iii, iv, xiv. 

D. . . He that is unjust, let him be unjust still ; and he which 
is filthy, let him be filthy still ; and he that is righteous, let him 
be righteous still. — Rev. xxiii, 3. 



D 



D. . . This badge of a mason is not worn by the genuine ma- 
sonic brother, through ostentation or levity, but as a continual 
memento, that as the lamb's skin is pure and spotless, so he is 
bound by new and solemn ties to "keep himself unspotted from 
the world." He is, moreover, reminded that, when the blood 
"which speaketh better things than that of Abel," shall have 
washed his soul from earthly pollution, he will be clad in im- 
mortal white, in the lodge above. — Mon. 35. — Free Mas. Lib. 150. 
Cal. 17. — Prest. Lee. vi. 




ENTERED APPRENTICE. 

The twenty-four inch Gauge and Common Gavel. 

These should be a part of the furniture or equipments of the Lodge. 
The following is the correct form of the Gavel : 




LPrtxnznzT 



L. . . The speculative use of this implement is to divide our time 
into distinct portions, to be devoted to usefulness, necessity and 
duty. Its division into 24 equal parts denotes the hours of the 
day; that into 3 equal parts denotes a division of our duty 
between our Creator, our brethren, and ourselves. — Mon. 3. — 
Free Mas. Lib. 152.— Phil. ch. 3.—Prest. 88. 

M. . . This working tool of an Entered Apprentice alludes to the 
imperfections of our nature while here below, and is employed by 
the speculative builder to remove the asperities and superfluities 
from the surface of the materials that are used in the construction 
of his spiritual and masonic edifice. — Mon. 32. — Phil. 92. — Free 
Mas. Lib. 153. 

D. . . Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In 
the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man 
a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb' for an 
house. And this day shall be unto you for a memorial ; and ye 
shall keep it a feast to the Lord throughout your generations ; ye 
shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever. — Exodus xii, 3 and 
14. The next day John seeth Jesus and saith, Behold the Lamb 
of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. — John i, 20. 
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the 
devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world ; and they 
overcame him by the blood of the Lamb. — Rev. xii, 9, 11. 



SECOND SECTION. 





-£>... This emblem of inno- 
cence is so peculiarly appro- 
priate, that, even the Son of 
God himself has condescended 
to represent his own spotless 
nature under the figure of a 
Lamb. " He was led like a 
lamb to the slaughter." In 
contemplating this masonic em- 
blem the mind is suspended, in solemn wonder, between earth 
and heaven. A pacific temperament steals insensibly upon 
the soul, and, while we admire the tender and submissive nature 
of this tenant of the fold, we are taught what must be our own 
character if we are finally admitted into the fold of Christ, and 
led by him to living pastures, on the mountains of eternal spring. 
— Free Mas. Lib. 152. — Cal. 2. — Mon. 49. 

B. . . This token of Fidelity is well understood by nations at 
the present day, but was introduced as such into the works of the 
first painters and sculptors of antiquity. He alone, who is ca- 
pable of genuine friendship, can conceive of the peculiar satis- 
faction of reciprocating tokens of fidelity with those who are 
deserving of confidence. — Compil. 

C. . .Now this was the manner in former time for to confirm 
all things, a man plucked off his shoe, and gave it to his neigh- 
bor, and this was a testimony in Israel. — Ruth iv, 7. 

A. . .And the house was built of stone made ready before it 
was brought thither : so that there was neither hammer, axe, nor 
any tool of iron, heard in the house. — 1 Kings vi, 7. 



ENTERED APPRENTICE. 




B. . .The highest hills and the lowest vallies, were from remote 
antiquity, accounted sacred. There Moses received the law, and 
there the great sacrifice for sin was offered. 

D 




D. ..This representation of the hall, where masons meet, is 
symbolical of the Universe, which is illimitable on every side, 
and is the proper temple of the Deity whom we serve. This 
temple was erected with unfathomable wisdom, supported and 
sustained by the strength of omnipotence, and decorated with 
unfading and imperishable beauty. The lodge, to an entering 



THIRD SECTION. 



mason, presents an emblem of the world in miniature. — Free 
Mas. Lib. 71. — Harris' Const. 42. — Hutch. Lee. iv. — Ander. 
Const. 312. 

From East to West, Freemasonry extends, and between North 
and South, in every clime and nation, are Masons to be found. 

" Modern investigations prove this assertion to be well founded. Every 
civilized land has its Lodges ; every nation possessing the spark of liberty 
and religion, its trestle-board of Masonic secrets." 




Our institution is said to be supported by Wisdom, Strength 
and Beauty. 

D. . .Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that 
getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than 
the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 
She is more precious than rubies : and all the things that thou 
canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in 
her right hand : and in her left hand riches and honor. Her 
ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She 
is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her : and happy is 
every one that retaineth her. The Lord by wisdom hath founded 
the earth ; by understanding hath he established the heavens. — 
Prov. iii, 13, 19. Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath 
hewn out her seven pillars. — Prov. ix, 1. And now, Lord 
my God, thou hast made thy servant king instead of David my 
father ; and I am but a little child : I know not how to go out, 



8 



ENTERED APPRENTICE. 



or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people which 
thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered nor 
counted for multitude. Give therefore thy servant an under- 
standing heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between 
good and bad : for who is able to judge this thy so great a 
people. And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had 
asked this thing. And God said unto him, Because thou hast 
asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life ; neither 
hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine 
enemies ; but hath asked for thyself understanding to discern 
judgment : Behold, I have done according to thy words : lo, I 
have given thee a wise and understanding heart, so that there 
was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any rise 
like unto thee. And I have also given thee that which thou hast 
not asked, both riches and honor ; so that there shall be not any 
among the kings like unto thee all thy days. And if thou wilt 
walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, 
as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen thy days. — 
1 Kings iii, 7, 14. — Prov. i, 20, 21 and ii, 2, 6, 10. 

0. . . This clouded canopy of heaven, decorated with starry and 
planetary systems, is an object to which every good mason fre- 
quently directs his eye, as being the veil which conceals from his 
sight the future and glorious residence of his soul ; the object of 
his wishes and the palace of his almighty king. At this home 
he expects to arrive by the aid of that ladder which constitutes 
the way " by the door into the sheepfold." — Mon. 36. — Free 
Mas. Lib. 251. — Cat. 18. — Hutch. Lee. iv. 

F.. The three rounds of this symbolic ladder, which is an 
emblem of that, seen in vision by the patriarch Jacob, ascending 
to heaven, on which angels ascended and descended continually, 
are Faith, Hope, and Charity ; teaching us that we must repose 
faith in God, cherish a hope of immortality, and practise charity 
to man. — Free Mas. Lib. 151. 

F. . . And he dreamed, and, behold, a ladder set upon the 
earth, and the top of it reached to heaven : and behold, the an- 
gels of God ascending and descending on it. — Gen. xxviii, 12. 
And now abideth Faith, Hope, Charity, these three ; but the 
greatest of these is Charity. — 1 Cor. xiii, 13. For we know that 
if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a 
building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the 
heavens. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be 



10 



ENTERED APPRENTICE. 



absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Where- 
fore we labor, that, whether present or absent, we may be ac- 
cepted of him. — 2 Cor. v, 1, 8, 9. — Rev. xxi, 1, andxxii, 17. 




F. . .For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of 
the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, 
God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this 
book : and if any man shall take away from the words of the book 
of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book 
of life.— Rev. xxii, 18, 19. 

F. . . This sacred volume, so much neglected by the world, is 
the constant inmate of the lodge ; nor can there be a lodge with- 
out it. The precepts and the examples, contained and recorded 
in this book, are held in the highest veneration by every truly 
masonic brother, insomuch that he who esteems it not is ignorant 
of the first great luminary of the world. The bible is, at once, 
our guide in this world, and our passport to a better. — Mbn. 49. 
—Phillips 4, 5, 6.— Hutch. Lee. v.—Prest. 89. 

i^....THE compasses teach us to circumscribe our conduct, 
limit our desires, restrain our passions, live and act, within the 
bounds of reason and religion. — Mon. 36. — Hutch, v. 




G. . .This representation of the floor of the temple is an emblem 
of human life, variegated with pleasure and pain, prosperity and 
adversity. The border surrounding it, is figuiative of the bless- 
ings of eternity, which can be enjoyed only by the faithful. The 
blazing star in the center is an emblem of Deity. — Mon. 52. — 
Cat. 20. — Hutch. Lee. v. 



THIRD SECTION. 



11 





H. . .These teach us the situation of the tabernacle and temple, 
and may also refer to the journey of the sun through the heavens. 
— Free Mas. Lib. 150. — Hutch. Lee. v, 'and viii. 

The Movable and Immovable jewels also claim our attention in 
this section. 

" By the general usage the square, level and plumb are styled the 
immovable jewels, and this is in accordance with Webb's private instruc- 
tions." 






K. . .This is an emblem of moral rectitude, and teaches to walk 
'uprightly in all our dealings with our fellow men. — Mori. 53. — 
Free Mas. Lib. 167.— Phil. 97.— Prest. 89. 

K. . . Br this symbol we are reminded of the natural equality 
of the human family. At the same time it admonishes us neither 
to despise the humble, nor look with envy on the great. The 



12 



ENTERED APPRENTICE. 



king, the noble, and the man of splendid genius, meet on a level 
with the tradesman, the husbandman, and the son of sorrow, on 
that decorated carpet which recognizes no distinctions of blood 
or of fortune, and spurns no footstep but that of immorality and 
crime.— Mon. 16.— Pm*. S9.—Free Mas. Lib. 167.— Phil. 97. 





J. . .This emblem is a type of the good man when fitted, by 
divine grace, for the temple above, having practised the duties 
of a mason, and a christian on earth, and being transformed from 
the depravity of nature to the perfection of grace ; a work which 
is completed by death, the grand tyler of eternity. — Mon. 88. 



K 








K. . . As the trestle board of the master achitect contains the 
various designs from which the operative workmen learn their re- 
spective tasks ; so does the book of natural and revealed religion 
prescribe the whole duty of man. In this book, we find precisely 
the designs which are to adorn the celestial temple. — Mon. 38. 







w 



1T>^ ft>^ 



E 



0. ..And I say unto you, That many shall come from the 
east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and 
Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. — Matt, viii, 11. 

0. . .This emblem may remind us of the rise of all the sciences 
in the Fast, and their progress to the West, leading civilization 
and happiness in their train. — Hutch. Lee. xiv. 



THIRD SECTION. 



13 



P. . . I John, was in the isle that is called 
Patmos,_for the word of God, and for the 
testimony of Jesus Christ. — Rev. i, 9. In 
those days, came John the Baptist, preaching 
in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, Re- 
pent ye : for the kingdom of heaven is at 
hand. — Matt, iii, 1. There was a man sent 
from God whose name was John. — John i, 6. 

I 

P. . .The holy scriptures and the examples 
of good men have prescribed our duty in so 
plain a manner that "he who runs may 
read." — Hutch. Lcc. xii. — Harris' Const. 86. 




Q. . .The tenet of broth- 
erly love is a distinguish- 
ing characteristic of mason- 
ry, as well as of Christianity. 
To extend relief to the dis- 
tressed is likewise our ac- 
knowledged duty. These 
virtues if suitably and prac- 
tically exemplified, assimilate 
a moral to those generous 
spirits who minister to the 
comfort of the human race, and rejoice in the happiness of 
universal being. To these add faithfulness and truth, and the 
sum of our duty to our fellow men will be complete. — Mon. 17. 
— S. M. eh. ii. xiv. — Hutch. Zee. xii. 





Y. . .A certain man went 
down from Jerusalem to 
Jericho, and fell among 
thieves, which stripped him 
of his raiment, and wounded 
him, leaving him half dead. 
And by chance there came 
down a certain priest that 
way: and when he saw him, 
he passed by on the other 
side. And likewise a Le- 
vite, when he was at the 



u 



ENTERED APPRENTICE. 



place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. 
But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was : 
and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, and went to 
him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set 
him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took 
care of him. — Luke x, 30 — 34. 

P. . .The lip of truth 
-p ^=^_^ shall be established for- 

ever : but a lying tongue 
is but for a moment. — 
Prov. xii, 19. He that 
hath pity upon the poor 
lendeth unto the Lord ; 
and that which he hath 
given will he pay him 
again. — Prov. xix, 17. Blessed are the merciful: for they 
shall obtain mercy. — Matt, v, 7. Blessed is he that considereth 
the poor : the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. — 
Psalm, xli, 1. Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, 
because he loved him as his own soul. — Sam, xviii, 3-xlx, 2-7. 





P. . .Temperance is both our duty and our happiness. For- 
titude is that mental stability which sustains with manly com- 
posure, the evils of life. While the former virtue buffets the 



THIRD SECTION. 



15 



tempest, Prudence directs the helm. Justice, the last of the four 
cardinal virtues, relates to our transactions with others. — Mon. 57. 

R. . .If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is 
amall. — Prov. xxiv, 10. That which is altogether just shalt 
thou follow, that thou mayest live. — Deut. xvi, 20. Every pru- 
dent man dealeth with knowledge : but a fool layeth open his 
folly. — Prov. xiii, 16. And every man that striveth for the 
mastery is temperate in all things. — 1 Cor. ix, 25. 




Q. ..He put no trust in his servants; and his angels he 
charged with folly : How much less in them that dwell in houses 
of clay, whose foundation is in the dust.— <7b5. iv, 18 — 19. 

"The illustration of Masonic Service, viz.: freedom, fervency and zeal 
was a part of Webb's system of lectures." 



A. . .The shining virtue of CHx\RITY, so honorable to our 
nature, and so often enjoined in the sacred volume, is peculiarly 
characteristic of the ancient society of free and accepted ma- 
sons. Their earliest records and their perpetual practice coin- 
cide in this particular. Charity includes a supreme love to the 
great creator and governor of the universe, and also an ardent 
affection for the rational beings of his creation. This humane, 
this generous, this heaven-inspired principle is diametrically op- 
posed to the prime ingredient of our nature, which is a supreme 
regard for self. And when this latter passion is entirely sup- 
planted by the former, and not until then, will the soul of man 
be purified and fitted for angelic society. The feelino-s of the 
heart, guided by reason, should direct the hand of charily. The 
objects of relief are merit in distress ; virtue in temptation ; in- 
nocence in tears ; industrious men visited by afflictive acts of 
divine providence ; widows, the survivors of husbands on whose 
labors they depended for subsistence : and orphans in tender years 
thrown naked on the world. — Hutch. Lee. xi. — S. M. oh. xv. 



16 



ENTERED APPRENTICE. 




A. . .This masonic symbol is 
most happily chosen to repre- 
sent the rude and imperfect con- 
dition of man on his first appear- 
ance upon the theater of human 
life. Instead of that moral purity 
which our first parents possessed 
when they came perfect from 
the hands of their creator, we 
now find ourselves born in sin 
and cradled in iniquity. "The 
gold has become dim, and the 
fine gold is changed." This is 
one of the first principles of 
our order, and is taught on the 
threshold of masonry ; that the 
brother, being initiated in the 
duties of charity, friendship 
and vital morality, may pass 
the trials of life and the 
gloom of death with forti- 
tude, and finally be raised 
to the temple above. 

The illustration of these virtues is accompanied with some 
general observations peculiar to masons. 

Such is the arrangement of the different sections in the first 
lecture, which, with the forms adopted at the opening and clos- 
ing of a lodge, comprehends the whole of the first degree of 
masonry. This plan has the advantage of regularity to recom- 
mend it, the support of precedent and authority, and the sanction 
and respect which flow from antiquity. The whole is a regular 
system of morality, conceived in a strain of interesting allegory, 
which must unfold its beauties to the candid and industrious 
inquirer. 



CHARGE. 



Webb's Man. 51. 



FELLOW CRAFT. 



17 




.4— PRAYER. 

A. . . In every degree of masonry the remembrance of our great 
high priest is kept alive by a representation of the altar on 
which typical sacrifices were offered under the Jewish dispen- 
sation. Since the great sacrifice was offered, once for all, the 
type and the shadow was done away — but the memory of that 
stupendous transaction will never be erased from the mind of the 
mason and the christian, while there is a lodge to visit, or a trans- 
gression to atone for. The degree of FELLOW CRAFT de- 
velopes new sources of instruction in the mystic art — and if pro- 
perly received and faithfully studied cannot fail to reward the 
most indefatigable labors even of the longest life. — Comp. 



18 



FELLOW CRAFT 



B. . .The application of the right angle -to 
the centre of the earth, spoken of in the foregoing 
degree, is beautifully illustrative of the sphere of 
the mason's duty ; which of necessity has de- 
finite limits; and also of the restraint which she 
should impose on the inclinations of the heart to 
wader beyond the angular limits of masonic pro- 
priety. 

The working tools of a Fellowcraft are here introduced and 
explained ; which are the plumb, square and level. 






C. .These jewels teach us to regulate our assertions by the 
plumb-line of truth ; to level our pride with the plane on which 
God has designed us to move ; and to square our conduct by 
the precepts and examples of scripture, and the dictates of en- 
lightened reason. — Mon. 47. — Phil. 97. — Free Mas. Lib. 167. — 
Prest. 89. — Hutch. Lee. iv — viii. 



OPEKATIYE AND SPECULATIVE MASONRY. 

D. . .As masonry and geometry signify one and the same 
thing, by operative masonry we are to understand the practical 
application of geometrical and systemetrical principles to the vari- 
ous purposes of architecture. Speculative Masonry contem- 
plates, in theory, what the operative builder reduces to .practice ; 
and is necessary to the master builder before he is prepared to 
give beauty, strength and proportion to an edifice. — Mon. 48. — 
Free Mas. Lib. 133, 168.— Phil. 2.—S. M. 54, 63.— Prest. 30. 
Ander. Const. 1—310. 

D. . .The necessity of some little attention to the science of 
speculative masonry, in order to reap any distinguished benefits 
from the institution,. is as absolute as in case of any other science 



SECOND SECTION. 19 

or art ; and experienced brethren have no difficulty of discerning 
the reason why some, who call themselves masons, neglect the 
institution. They relish not because they know not. Though 
the mine is rich they have never penetrated to the bed of golden 
treasures. Should you expect to find a man enraptured with the 
sublime system of Newtonian philosophy merely because he had 
read the tide page of the Principia ? How then can it be a matter 
of wonder, that, some men, too careless to moralize and too stupid 
to discern, should enter the porch of masonry, and there fall 
asleep in the arms of indolence and dullness ! But the importance 
of the instructive tongue to communicate this science is as mani- 
fest as the necessity of the listening ear to receive the informa- 
tion. But, in every case, the brother who is capable of instruct- 
ing is ever ready to impart ; for the genius who conducted him 
through the mystic temple, inspired him with all the virtues of 
the royal science. Yet the forementioned virtues are worse than 
useless, without the completion of the splendid Trio, by adding 
the faithful breast. Of all societies, that of Free and Accepted 
Masons has been most distinguished for the inviolable secrecy 
which its members have uniformly preserved ; and this too in de- 
fiance of the thunders of the Vatican, and the rack of the Inquisi- 
tion. Yes, and in contempt of the pusillanimous and despicable 
efforts of a few individuals, who have labored with unwearied 
zeal, to discover something of which they had been convicted of 
being utterly unworthy. The shafts that have been directed at 
our institution, have successively fallen innoxious at her feet. — 
Free Mas. Lib. 178. 

E. . .The globes are two artificial 
spherical bodies, on the convex sur- 
face of which are represented the 
countries, seas, and various parts of 
the earth, the face of the heavens, the 
planetary revolutions, and other particulars. 

The sphere, with the parts of the earth delineated on its sur- 
face, is called the terrestrial globe ; and that with the constella- 
tions, and other heavenly bodies, the celestial globe. 

The principal use of the globes, beside serving as maps, to 
distinguish the outward parts of the earth, and the situation of 
the fixed stars, is to illustrate and explain the phenomena aris- 
ing from the annual revolution, and the diurnal rotation, of the 
earth round its own axis. They are the noblest iusti'uments for 




20 



FELLOW CRAFT. 



improving - the mind, and giving it the most distinct idea of any 
problem or proposition, as well as enabling it to solve the same. 
Contemplating these bodies, we are inspired with a due reverence 
for the Deity and his works, and are induced to encourage the 
studies of astronomy, geography, navigation, and the aris de- 
pendent on them, by which society has been so mnch benefited. 
G. . .This emblem among masons implies their respect for those 
works of creation which demonstrates the power, the wisdom, 
and the goodness of the Almighty builder. This symbol may 
denote that access into the holy of holies above can be gained by 
such only as come " by the door, which is Christ, the good shep- 
herd." — Hutch. Led. viii. As the contiguity of a fall of water 
to afield of standing corn gives vigor to the plant — so the graces 
of the divine spirit are the nourishment of the good man's piety. 




O. . . A bountiful Providence has supplied us, while we sojourn 
below, not only with com, and the other nutritious fruits of the 
earth, but with "wine to gladden the heart, and oil, to give us a 
cheerful countenance." The first may be considered as emblem- 
atical of plenty; the second of health; and the third of peace. 

H. . .For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits 
high a-piece : and a line of twelve cubits did compass either of 



SECOND SECTION. 21 

them about. And he set up the pillars in the porch of the 
temple : and he set up the right pillar, and called the name there- 
of Jachin ; and he set up the left pillar, and called the name 
thereof Boaz. And upon the top of the pillars was lily-work : 
so was the work of the pillars finished. — 1 Kings vii, 15 — 22. 

/. . .And a chapiter of brass was upon it ; and the hight of one 
chapiter was live cubits, with net-work and pomegranates upon 
the chapiters round about, all of brass. The second pillar, and 
the pomegranates Avere like unto these. And there were ninety 
and six pomegranates on a side ; and all the pomegranates upon 
the net-work were an hundred round about. — Jer. Hi, 22, 23. 
And he made two chapiters of molten brass to set upon the top 
of the pillars : the hight of the one chapiter was five cubits, and 
the hight of the other chapiter was five cubits. And nets of 
checker-work and wreaths of chain -work, for the chapiters which 
were upon the top of the pillars ; seven for the one chapiter, and 
seven for the other chapiter. And he made the pillars, and two 
rows round about upon the one net-work, to cover the chapiters 
that were upon the top, with pomegranates ; and so did he for 
the other chapiter. And the chapiters that were upon the top 
of the pillars were of lily-work in the porch, four cubits. And 
the chapiters upon the two pillars had pomegranates also above, 
and the pomegranates were two hundred in rows round about 
upon the other chapiter. — 1 Kings vii, 16, 20. 

K. . .And on the seventh day God ended his work which he 
had made : and he rested on the seventh day from all his work 
which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and 
sanctitied it : because that in it he had rested from all his work. 
— Gen. ii, 2, 3. Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. 
Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work : but the seventh 
is the sabbath day of the Lord thy God : in it thou shalt not do 
any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man-servant, 
nor thy maid-servant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is 
within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and 
earth, the sea, and all that in them is. — Exod. xx, 8 — 11. 

K. . .This institution is among the earliest records of the world, 
and the day was instituted as a season of devotion, in the first 
division of time after creation. It being the season selected for 
rest and refreshment after the completion of the labors of the 
Supreme Architect, the sabbath is peculiarly regarded among 
masons. — Compiler. 
3 



22 



FELLOW CRAFT. 







•" 


rri 


a> 


<u 


Ph 


3 
o 


5 r* 


<v 


o 



£ 


0)0 

£ <]> G 




£ r^ fiC . 




- y 'rf 


o 


litec 
ora 
the 

worl 


'3 


S3 +° G-3 






I l— ' 


j- Q .„<+_, 




cp ^ 




™ 3 S ?2 

a? "55 fe a> 
o ^ 2 o 


!-S 


i ft 


eitt 
in tl 
al w 


1 i 

1 H 


aven ; " 
icks on 
n days 
princip 




r^ <D <*> -, 




S to » 




nd ° e8 fl 




^.. S 


1-9 






"bear 
ve go 

ise m 








rC r^-J O) p, 




£ e 2 © 




* *.2 * 




S» .~ o o> 




^M " ? 




r *>^ «. 




* * 8 








t- 09 




•> ce 




There 
senses 
beral 
lanets, 




1 « 


: c^ * 




F. 

uma 

even 




rC( »9 «0 



SECOND SECTION. 23 

In six days creation was perfected, the 7th was consecrated 
to rest. On the 7th of the 7ih month, a holy observance was 
ordained to the children of Israel, who feasted 7 days, and re- 
mained 7 days in tents; the 7th year Avas directed to be a Sab- 
bath of rest, for all things, and at the end of 7 times 7 years 
commenced the grand Jubilee ; every 7th year the land lay fal- 
low ; every 7th year there was a general release from all debts, 
and all bondsmen were set free ; (from this law may have ori- 
ginated the old custom of binding young men to 7 years' appren- 
ticeship, and of punishing incorrigible offenders by transportation 
for 7, twice 7, or three times 7 years ;) every 7th year the law 
was directed to be read to the people. Jacob served Laban 7 
years for his daughter Rachel, 7 years for Leah, and 7 years for 
his cattle. Noah had 7 days' warning of the flood, and was 
commanded to take the fowls of the air into the ark by 7s, and 
the clean beasts by 7s ; the ark touched the ground on the 7th 
month, and in 7 days a dove was sent out, and again in 7 days 
after. The 7 years of plenty and the 7 years of famine were 
foretold in Pharaoh's dream, by the 7 fat and the 7 lean beasts, 
and by the 7 ears of full and the 7 ears of blasted corn. The 
young animals were to remain with the dam 7 days, and at the 
close of the 7th to be taken away. By the old law, man was 
commanded to forgive his offending- brother 7 times, but the 

_ C3 ...» 

meekness of the last revealed religion extended his humility and 
forbearance to 70 times 7 ; "If Cain shall be revenged 7 fold, 
truly Lamech 70 times 7." In the destruction of Jericho, 7 
priests bore 7 trumpets 7 days ; on the 7th day, they surrounded 
the walls 7 times, and after the 7th time the walls fell. Balaam 
prepared 7 bullocks and 7 rams for a sacrifice. 7 of Saul's sons 
were hanged to stay a famine. Laban pursued Jacob 7 days' 
journey. Job's friends sat with him 7 days and 7 nights, and 
offered 7 bullocks and 7 rams as an atonement for their wicked- 
ness. David, in bringing up the ark, offered 7 bullocks and 
7 rams. Elijah sent his servant 7 times to look for the cloud. 
Hezekiah, in cleansing the temple, offered 7 bullocks and 7 rams 
and 7 he-goats for a sin-offering ; after he took away the strange 
altars, the children of Israel kept the feast of unleavened bread 
7 days, and again other 7 days. King Ahasuerus had 7 cham- 
berlains ; he made a 7 days' feast, and sent for the Queen on 
the 7th day ; Esther had 7 maids to attend her ; in the 7th year 
of his reign, Esther is made Queen. Solomon was 7 years 
building the temple, at the dedication of which he feasted 7 days. 



24: FELLOW CRAFT. . 

In the tabernacle were 7 lamps, 7 days were appointed for an 
atonement upon the altar, and the priest's son was ordained to 
wear his father's garments 7 days. The children of Israel ate 
unleavened bread 7 days ; Abraham gave 7 ewe lambs to Abi- 
melech, as a memorial for a well ; Joseph mourned 7 days for 
Jacob. The Rabbins say God employed the power of answering 
this number to perfect the greatness of Samuel, his name an- 
swering the value of the letters in the Hebrew word which 
signifies 7, whence Hannah, his mother, in her thanks, says, 
"that the barren had brought forth 7." In Scripture, are enu- 
merated 7 resurrections — the widow's son by Elias, the Shuna- 
mite's son by Elisha, the soldier who touched the bones of the 
prophet, the daughter of the ruler of the synagogue, the widow's 
son, of Nain, Lazarus, and our blessed Lord. Out of Mary 
Magdalene were cast 7 devils ; the Apostles chose 7 deacons ; 
Enoch, who was translated, was the 7th after Adam, and Jesus 
Christ the 77th, in a direct line. Our Saviour spoke 7 times 
from the cross, on which he remained 7 hours ; he appeared 
7 times ; after 7 times 7 days, he sent the Holy Ghost. In the 
Lord's Prayer are 7 petitions, contained in 7 times 7 words, 
omitting those of mere grammatical connection. Within this 
number are connected all the mysteries of the Apocalypse, re- 
vealed to the 7 churches of Asia : there appeared 7 golden can- 
dlesticks, and 7 stars in the hand of him that was in the midst ; 
7 lamps being the 7 spirits of God ; the book with 7 seals ; the 
lamb with 7 horns and 7 eyes ; 7 angels with 7 seals ; 7 kings ; 
7 thunders ; 7 thousand men slain ; the dragon with 7 heads 
and 7 crowns ; the beast with 7 heads ; 7 angels bringing 7 
plagues, and 7 phials of wrath. The vision of Daniel was 70 
weeks. The fiery furnace was made 7 times hotter for Shadrach, 
Meshach and Abednego. Nebuchadnezzar ate the grass of the 
field 7 years. The elders of Israel were 70. There are also 
numbered 7 heavens, 7 planets, 7 stars, 7 wise men, 7 cham- 
pions of Christendom, 7 notes in music, 7 primary colors, 
7 deadly sins and 7 sacraments in the Roman Catholic Church. 
The 7th son was considered as endowed with pre-eminent wis- 
dom ; the 7th son of a 7th son is still thought by some to possess 
the power of healing diseases spontaneously. Perfection is 
likened to gold 7 times purified in the fire, and we yet say, 
"you frighten me out of my 7 senses." Anciently, a child was 
not named before 7 days, not being accounted fully to have life 
before that periodical day; the teeth spring out in the 7th 



SECOND SECTION. 



25 



month, and are shed and renewed in the 7th year, when infancy- 
is changed into childhood ; at thrice 7 years the faculties are 
developed, manhood commences, and we become legally com- 
petent to all civil acts ; at four times 7 man is in full possession 
of his strength ; at five times 7 he is fit for the business of the 
world ; at six times 7 he becomes grave and wise, or never ; at 
7 times 7 he is in his apogie, and from that time decays ; at eight 
times 7 he is in his first climacteric ; at nine times 7, or 63, he 
is in his grand climacteric, or year of danger ; and ten times 7, 
or three score years and ten, has by the royal prophet been pro- 
nounced the natural period of human life. There were 7 chiefs 
before Thebes. The blood was to be sprinkled 7 times before 
the altar. Naaman was to be dipped 7 times in Jordan. Apu- 
leius speaks of dipping the head 7 times in the sea for purifica- 
tion. In all solemn rites of purgation, dedication, and conse- 
cration, the oil or water was 7 times sprinkled. The house of 
wisdom, in Proverbs, had 7 pillars. 




L. . .And not only so, but 
we glory in tribulations al- 
so : knowing that tribulation 
worketh patience ; and pa- 
tience, experience ; and ex- 
perience, hope ; and hope 
maketh not ashamed; because 
the love of God is shed abroad 
in our hearts by the Holy 
Ghost which is given unto 
us. — Rom. v, 3 — 5. For we 
are saved by hope : but hope 
that is seen is not hope : for 
what a man seeth, why doth 
he yet hope for ? But if we 
hope for that we see not, 
then do we with patience wait 
for it. — Rom. viii. 24, 25. 
But Christ is a son over his 
own house ; whose house are 
we, if we hold fast the con- 
fidence and the rejoicing of 
the hope firm unto the end. — 
Heb. iii, 6. — Prov. xv. 31. 



26 FELLOW CBAFT. 

L. . .This Christian and masonic grace is equally important and 
pleasing in this world of uncertainty and change. The present 
moment is sure to possess some ingredient, to embitter the cha- 
lice of mortal enjoyment, and how effectually are we relieved by 
the soothing HOPE that the deficiences of the present day shall 
be supplied by to-morrow. The Anchor which supports this 
figure is an emblem of security. When the visions of hope are 
real and rational, her anchor is sure and steadfast in the harbor 
of a celestial country. To this country her finger is pointing as 
the future residence of the virtuous and good. Thither all good 
masons hope at length to arrive. — Mori. 15. 

SCIENCE. 

Composed by Companion S. Brown. 

"When Science first came to enlighten mankind, 
She sought, through the world, for a home to her mind, 
Where Genius might lend her the aid of his fire, 
And Art, with her generous efforts, conspire. 

She landed, at first, on the banks of the Nile; 
Then visited Tyrus, the sea- circled Isle ; 
In Greece she had travelled, but fled, in despair, 
Of finding her favorite residence there. 

At length, half resolved to remount on her wing, 
She heard of the wisdom of Israel's king, 
Then straight to Moriah she hied her away, 
And high, on its summit, recumbent she lay. 

King Solomon saw her reclined on the cliff, 
And sent the glad message to Hiram Abiff, 
Who flew to the Vision that blazed on his sight, 
And clasp'd to his bosom the Spirit of Light. 

She taught him the use of the compass and square, 
And how to erect the grand column in air ; 
She taught him to work by the level and line, 
And gave him the corn, and the oil, and the wine. 

She led him by threes, and by fives, and by sevens, 
And show'd him the pathway that leads to the heavens, 
Where sits the Grand Master who surely will know 
The craft that have zealously serv'd him below. 



MASTER MASON. 



27 



ill // 




BC — FRIENDSHIP. A.— MORALITY. BC— BROTHERLY LOVE. 

B. . .If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a 
liar : for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how 
can he love God whom he hath not seen? Beloved, if God so 
loved us, we ought also to love one another. And this com- 
mandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his 
brother also. — John iv, 11, 20, 21. 

BC. . .No subject can more properly engage the attention than 
the humane and generous feelings planted, by nature, in the 
human breast. Friendship is traced through the circle of private 
connections to the grand system of universal philanthropy. But 
the brotherly love, so well known in the masonic family, is one 
of the purest emanations of earthly friendship. A community 



28 



MASTER MASON. 



of sentiment and feeling creates a community of interest, culti- 
vated and cherished by every brother. — Free Mas. Lib. 121. — 
Prest. 27. 

.A . .Morality is practical Virtue; or, in other words, the 
journey of Wisdom, pursuing, and disseminating happiness, 
Strict morality is a conformation to the laws of natural and re- 
vealed religion, as far as those laws enjoin overt actions toward 
God the creator, and man our fellow. It is not a cold specula- 
tion, but a practical principle. — Prest. Lee. iii. The degree of 
MASTER MASON represents a man under the Christian doc- 
trine, saved from the grave of iniquity and raised to the faith of 
salvation. Three ruffian invaders, the World, the Flesh, and 
the Devil, had prostrated him in the grave of spiritual death. 
The Law came to his aid, but failed of effecting a moral resur- 
rection. Idolatry offered her hand, but corruption itself was 
defiled by the touch, and the victim eluded her embrace. At 
length the gospel of the Son of God descended from heaven. 
For a moment she stood by the silent sepulchre, and dropped a 
tear upon the tomb, then pronouncing the omnific word, the 
sleeping Lazarus arose ! Yes, when the Priest and the Levite 
had "gone by on the other side," the Good Samaritan came to 
the aid of the sufferer, and poured the "balm of Gilead" into 
the bleeding wound ! — Key p. 31. 

E. . .The parts of a building cannot 
be united without proper cement, nor 
can the social compact be maintained 
without the binding influence of cha- 
rity. — Mas. Lib. 195. 

F. . .And it came to pass in the 
four hundred and eightieth year 
after the children of Israel were 
come out of the land of Egypt, in 
the fourth year of Solomon's reign 
over Israel, in the month of Zif, 
which is the second month, that 
he began to build the house of the 
Lord. And the house which King- 
Solomon built for the Lord, the 
length thereof was threescore cu- 
bits, and the breadth thereof twenty cubits, and the hight 
thereof thirty cubits. And the porch before the temple of the 
house, twenty cubits was the length thereof, according to the 





SECOND SECTION. 29 

breadth of the house ; and ten cubits was the breadth thereof 
before the house. And for the house he made windows of nar- 
row lights. And against the wall of the house he built chambers 
round about, against the walls of the house round about, both 
of the temple and of the oracle : and he made chambers round 
about. The nethermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the 
middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits 
broad : for without in the wall of the house he made narrowed 
rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the 
walls of the house. And in the eleventh year, in the month Bui, 
which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout 
all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. So 
was he seven years in building it. — 1 Kings 1-38. 

F . . .This famous fabric was situated on Mount Moriah, near 
the place where the faith of Abraham was tried when he was 
commanded to offer his son Isaac upon the altar ; and where 
David appeased the destroying angel, by erecting an altar in the 
threshing floor of Araunah. It was begun in the year of the 
world 2992, and before the Christian era 1012; and was com- 
pleted in about seven years. In the construction of this grand 
edifice, Solomon engaged the co-operation of Hiram, the king of 
Tyre, and of the most skillful artist of that or any age, called in 
the Philistine dialect, Abdonemus, but in the old Constitutions, 
Amom or Hiram- Abbiff, as his assistant grand master of the 
work. Under them were 200 Hadorim, or princes; 3,300 Me- 
natzchim, or expert master masons, as overseers ; 80,000 Ghib- 
lim, sculptors ; Ishchotzeb, hewers ; and Benai, layers ; who 
were ingenious fellow crafts : besides a levy out of Israel of 
30,000 men under Adoniram, the junior grand warden, making 
in all 113,600 masons, exclusive of the two grand wardens, em- 
ployed in the noble undertaking. Besides these there were 
70,000 Ish-Sabal or men of burthen. — Ander. Const. 16-25. — 
Hutchinson' s Lee. vii. 

H. . .First. — The master mason H ^m 
should not withdraw his hand 
from a sinking brother. Second. 
— His foot should never halt in 
the pursuit of duty. Third. — His 
prayers should ascend for the 
distressed. Fourth. — A. faithful 
breast conceals the faults and the secrets of a bi other. Fifth.— 
Approaching evil is frequently averted by a frit ndly admonition. 




30 



MASTER MASON. 




I. . .This broken pillar, supporting the volume of divine in- 
spiration — this virgin weeping, with an urn in her left hand, in 
the rino-lets of whose hair the fino-ers of Time are entwined — 
together with that bough of evergreen which speaks of- immor- 
tality, are impressive symbols to the enlightened brother of this 
degree. They are calculated to awaken every sentiment of 
respect, veneration, and fraternal tenderness, on the one hand, 
and to remind us, on the other, that although time may lay in 
ruins all earthly grandeur, and deface the loveliness of all terres- 
trial beauty, there is imperishable grandeur, unfading beauty, 
and eternal happiness above. — Compiler 



THIRD SECTION. 



31 



In this section many particulars relative to king Solomon's tem- 
ple are considered, and likewise certain hieroglyphical emblems 
illustrated, calculated to extend knowledge and promote virtue. 





This famous fabric was supported by fourteen hundred and 
fifty-three columns, and two thousand nine hundred and six 
pilasters ; all hewn from the finest Parian marble. There were 
employed in its building, three Grand Masters ; three thousand 
and three hundred masters, or overseers of the work ; eighty 
thousand Fellow-crafts ; and seventy thousand Entered Appren- 
tices, or bearers of burdens. All these were classed and arranged 
in such a manner by the wisdom of Solomon, that neither envy, 
discord, nor confusion were suffered to interrupt that universal 
peace and tranquillity, which pervaded the world at this impor- 
tant period. 



7 



m 







K. . .Human life has three stages, youth, man- 
hood and old age ; our being has three periods, 
time, death and eternity : and ancient craft ma- 
sonry has three degrees. — Mas. Lib. 188. 




32 





MASTER MASON. 

A. . .This emblem of a pure heart is peculiarly- 
expressive ; for such a heart perpetually ascends 
in perfumes of filial gratitude, like the cloud of 
celestial white that filled the temple at Jeru- 
salem, and the heaven-descended flame that 
burned continually in the holy of holies. — Mon. 
89.— Free Mas. Lib. \Q6.— Calcott 9. 



A. . .Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth. 
Ye are the salt of the earth. Ye are the light of the world. A 
city that is set on a hill can not be hid. — Matt, v., 5, 13. 

„ rf « , B. . .The slothful inactivity of the rational 

drone is severely reproved by this striking 
symbol. The industrious bee rises early to 
the labors of the summer day, gathering 
from the masonic carpet of nature an ample 
supply for the winter of his year. By imi- 
tating this example, man might enjoy all 

the necessaries, and even the luxuries of life ; while he would 

avoid vice and temptation, and merit the respect of mankind. 

On the contrary, idleness is the parent of immorality and ruin. — 

Mon. 90. — Free Mas. Lib. 186. 

B. . .Go to the ant, thou sluggard : consider her ways, and be 
wise : which provideth her meat in the summer, and gathereth 
her food in the harvest. How long wilt thou sleep, sluggard ? 
Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to 
sleep :. so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth. — Prov. 
vi., 6, 8, 9, 10, 11. 

C. . .This emblem will convince the 
mason of the policy of preserving in- 
violably the important secrets which are 
committed to his breast. — Mon. 69. — 
Free Mas. Lib. 187. 

C. . .Be ye afraid of the sword : for wrath bringeth the pun- 
ishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment. — 
Job xix, 29. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is 
counted wise : and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man 
of understanding. — Prov. xvii, 28. Whoso keepeth his mouth 
and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. As he that bind- 




THIRD SECTION. 



33 



eth a stone in a sling, so is he that giveth honor to a fool. — 
Prov. xxvi, 8. Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding 
shall keep thee. — Prov. ii, 11. 

D. . .This may remind us that, al- 
though mercy delays the descending 
stroke of justice, there is a day ap- 
pointed, in which justice will be amply 
avenged, unless mercy shall secure us 
in the ark of her retreat. The sword 
of Almighty vengeance is drawn to reward iniquity. 
—Free Mas. Lib. 187. 




■Mon. 91. 



D. . .Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, 
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. — Psalm i, 5. 
If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong : and if of judgment, who 
shall set me a time to plead ? For he is not a man, as I am, that 
I should answer him. I will say unto God, do not condemn 
me. — Job ix, 19, 32, also x, 2. 




K . .That eye which watches the movements of a planet, and 
the falling of a sparrow, pervades the recesses of the heart, and 
knows our inmost thoughts. — Mon. 91. — S. M. 72. 

E. . .For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and 
he pondereth all his goings. — Prov. v, 21. The eyes of the 
Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. — 
Prov. xv, 3. Behold, the eyes of the Lord is upon them that 
fear him ; upon them that hope in his mercy. — Psalm xxxiii, 18. 



34 



MASTER MASON. 




F. . .The ark, an emblem of 

that which survived the flood, 

reminds us of that ark of safety 

which will waft us securely 

over this sea of troubles, and, 

when arrived in a celestial 

harbor, the anchor of a well 

grounded hope will moor us forever to that peaceful shore, 

where "the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at 

rest." — Mon. 91. 

F. . .Make thee an ark of gopher-wood ; rooms shalt thou make 
in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And 
this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of : The length of 
the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cu- 
bits, and the hight of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou 
make to the ark, and in a cubit shalt thou finish it above ; and 
the door of the ark shalt thou set in the side thereof; with lower, 
second, and third stories shalt thou make it. — Gen. vi, 14, 15, 16. 

G-. ..On this problem many important de- 
ductions of geometry are founded. The pro- 
position is this, and it is true of every triangle 
containing one right angle that, the square 
described upon the side of the right angle, is 
equal to the sum of the squares described 

upon the other two sides. — Mon. 92. — Free Mas. Lib. 187. — 

Fuclid, b. i. prop. 47. 

H. . .As the sands in the glass soon 
measure the period of an hour, so do 
the moments of our being soon wing 
away the season of life. That which 
is always short is growing constantly 
shorter, till the wave of time is swal- 
lowed by the billows of eternity. This 
emblem is, therefore, a constant mon- 
itor of the shortness of human life. — 
Mon. 92. 

H. . .Boast not thyself of to-morrow ; for thou knowest not what 
a day may bring forth. — Prov. xxvii, 1. My days are swifter 
than a weaver's shuttle. remember that my life is wind. — 
Job vii, 6, 7. For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, 





THIRD SECTION. 



35 



because our days upon earth are a shadow ; shall not they teach 
thee and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart. — Job viii, 9. 
Now my days are swifter than a post ; they are passed away as the 
swift ships : as the eagle that hasteth to the prey. — Job ix, 25, 26. 

I. ..As the husbandman ihoavs his 
meadow in due season, so death, the 
leveller of human greatness, sweeps us 
away at the appointed time. — Mon. 93. 
Free Mas. Lib. 188. 





L. . .The ashes of the worthy brother will sleep in this hallowed 
receptacle, till the grand master shall order the trumpet to pro- 
claim, that "time shall be no longer." — Compiler. 

M. . .This emblem, in its allusion to a departed brother, may 
indeed demand the tear of fraternal sympathy ; but with reference 
to ourselves, if we are the genuine children of light, it may be 
contemplated with pleasure. For what is this world to the good 
man, but the tiling room of heaven ? And what is the grave but 
the door of the celestial lodge, where our brethren and our master 
are waiting to receive us with tokens of affection, and songs of 
transport ? — Compiler. 

N. . .Though the frosts of death may palsy the mortal tenement 
of the soul, shrouding it in the coffin, and withering it in the 
grave ; the soul itself remains unaffected, flourishing in immor- 
tal vigor. Thus when the good man dies, he has only given the 
appropriate watch word to the grim tyler of eternity, and has 
passed on to serve the better master. 

X. . .For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will 
sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. — 
Job xiv, 7. For I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he 
shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. — Job xix, 25. The 
sting of death is sin ; and the strength of sin is the law. But 
thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory, through our Lord 
Jesus Christ. Behold, I show you a mystery ; we shall not all 
sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, at the last 
trump. — 1 Cor. xv. 



36 



MASTER MASON. 




0. . .This figure represents that state of perfection at which 
the good man arrives, by the aid of vital religion, exemplified 
by a moral and virtuous life. As "faith without works is dead," 
so works, without the sanctifying power of godliness, are "as 
sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal." Faith and works united, 
are therefore, inseparable constituents of the masonic character. 
Placed, as this figure is, among the affecting emblems of mor- 
tality, she seems looking beyond the grave to the regions of 
lasting blessedness. 

0. • .For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from 
faith to faith : as it is written, The just shall live by faith. — 
Rom. i, 17. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by 
faith without the deeds of the law. — Rom. iii, 28. Therefore, 
being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ. — Rom. v, 1. 



MARE MASTER MASON. 37 




.4— PRAYER. 

A... The repetition of this emblem, in eacli successive step 
of masonry, is peculiarly calculated to impress the memory 
with our constant obligation to piety and devotion. Were the 
benefactions of Providence but partially or unfrequently enjoyed, 
perhaps we might forget that return of gratitude which is the 
only remuneration in our power to make ; but his benefits are 
"new every morning and fresh every moment," and surely our 
perpetual thanksgiving should ascend to heaven. — Compiler. 
The degree of MARK MASTER-MASON may be consid- 
ered as appendant to that of Fellow Craft, although entirely dis- 
tinct and different from it. The order and harmony which this 
degree communicated to the builders of the temple, at Jerusalem, 
are incalculable, and, indeed, without it, so many workmen of 
different nations would have been in continual confusion. Not 
only was each workman thereby known to the Senior Grand 
Warden, but every part of the workmanship, for that stupendous 
structure was subjected to the nicest scrutiny — while every faith- 
ful laborer received with punctuality the rewards of industry and 
skill. But it has a speculative allusion infinitely interesting to 
every accountable being. It typifies the trial of the great day 
when every man's work will be proved, whether it be good or 
bad. That which is imperfect will be cast out, as unfit for the 
New Jerusalem, into which "nothing can enter that worketh 
abomination or maketh a lie." — Mon. 73 — 81. 
4 



38 



MARK MASTER MASON. 




rx 




i ' i ■ i ■ i ■ i 



? 



W 



T^T^T 



7 



w 



2? 



E. . .The Christian and advanced brother who has contempla- 
ted that precious stone, "rejected by the builders," but selected 
by the Supreme Architect and placed in the centre of the arch 
of heaven, will understand the divine import of that "new name, 
which no man knoweth saving him that receive th it." He will 
admire the patience with which the Son of God suffered his per- 
fect work to be rejected of men, as a thing of no value, though 
infinitely better adapted to the condition of man, in his fallen 
state, than the tables of stone given to the prophet on the mount. 
And happy will they be, who shall be delivered from the law of 
Moses by the gospel of grace, and celebrate in a song of triumph 
the final reappearing of the Saviour of men to redeem his chosen 
people. — Gen. xlix, 29. — Psalm cxviii. — Isaiah xxviii, 16. — Luke 
xx, 27. — Rev. ii, 17. 

The working tools of a Mark Master are the Chisel and Mallet. 

B. . .To give this emblem a more impressive force 
than the experience of the sons of light can well as- 
cribe to it, is beyond the power of human language. 
It may remind us of that instrument in the hand 
of death, which shall ere long cut the thread of 
life, and launch our earthly ark upon the ocean of 
eternity.— .Mm. 104.— Free Mas. Lib. 212.-— Cat. 24. 



C. . .This emblem will not be forgotten by the 
Mark Mason, for the bare recurrence of the imple- 
ment will make a lasting impression on his mind. 
— Free Mas. Lib. 212.— Cat. 24. 





SECOND SECTION. 



§9 



D 




D. . . That honesty is the best policy, is an adage no more trite 
than true. But honesty toward a brother, or the family where 
our "best friends and kindred dwell" would seem more than 
policy, it must be duty. Surely then, an emblem which con- 
tinually calls to mind this important duty must prove a salutary 
monitor to the masonic brother. The consequences of fraud and 
deception are likewise to be deprecated. To be good we must be 
honest ; and true it is, that, he who will take an advantage of the 
sensibilities and confidence of a brother to defraud and overreach 
him, whatever name he bear, must be deserving of the abhor- 
rence of the human race. — Free. Mas. Lib. 210. 

D. . .If thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and 
cast them from thee : it is better for thee to enter into life halt or 
maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into 
everlasting fire. — Matt, xviii, 8. And through a window, in a 
basket, was I let down by the wall, and escaped his hands. — 2 
Cor. xi, 33. 



40 



MARK MASTER. 

MARK MASTERS' ODE 



ADAPTED AND ARRANGED BY 



JA3. D. TAYLOR. 



PIANOFORTE I 

or / 

MELODEON. \ 




1. Mark Masters all appear, Before the Chief O'erseer, 

2. You who have pass'd the square, For your re - ward prepare, 



i^zfe^EE 



m 



^^ 



-fiM?- 



U=hir*-Hi=t4 



U 



t=± 



i r r:r 

In con - cert move 
Join heart and hand 



Let him your work in - spect, For the Chief 
Each with his mark in view, March with the 



£ 



5& 



-£=U 



n. 



t? 



-fV 



-*=^ 



Ar - chi - tect, If there 
just and true, Wa - ges 



no de - feet, He will approve, 
you are due, At your command. 



3 Hiram, the widow's son, 
Sent unto Solomon 

Our great key-stone ; 
On it appears the name 
Which raises high the fame 
Of all to whom the same 

Is truly known. 



4 Now to the westward move, 
Where, full of strength and love, 

Hiram doth stand ; 
But if impostors are 
Mixed with the worthy there, 
Caution them to beware 

Of the right hand. 



— CEREMONIES. — 



5 Now to the praise of those 
Who triumph'd o'er the foes 

Of Mason's art ; 
To the praiseworthy three, 
Who founded this degree, 
May all their virtues be 

Deep iu our hearts. 



PAST MASTKR. 



41 




B. . .This general collection of masonic implements may remind 
the Master of his power and jurisdiction, while they warn him to 



42 PAST MASTER. 

avoid the abuse of that power, limiting his jurisdiction and pre- 
scribing his conduct. They likewise afford him copious topics 
of advice to such as assist him in the government of the frater- 
nity, as well as to all the brethren over whom he is called to pre- 
side. He may descant on the excellence of the holy writings 
as a rule of life ; — for those writings teach us that being born 
upon a level, we should act upon the square, circumscribing our 
desires within the compass of Nature's gifts, poured from the 
horn of plenty. Here also, he may exhort them to walk upright- 
ly, suffering neither the pressure of poverty, nor the avarice of 
riches to tempt the heart, for a moment, to swerve from the line 
of rectitude which is suspended before them from the centre of 
heaven. The division of time into equal and regular portions, 
he may also urge as the surest method of securing the greatest 
good from the opportunities that are afforded us. The subjection 
of our passions and desires is here likewise taught by the gavel, 
which is used by the operative builder to remove the excres- 
cences and to smooth the surfaces of the rough materials for a 
building ; while the By-Laws of the lodge regulate the deport- 
ment of the Craftsmen, while assembled for the purposes of 
social improvement and mental recreation, and while separated 
from the rest of mankind and placed among none but brethren. — 
Mon. 127. The degree of PRESENT, or PAST MASTER is de- 
signed not only to honor such of the brethren as are deserving of 
the particular confidence, affection, and respect of the craft, but 
also, and more especially, to instruct the advanced brother in the 
art of presiding with dignity and ruling with moderation, in the 
various offices of domestic and public life. Even the father of a 
family needs the distinguishing qualities of prudence, calmness 
and forbearance joined with a salutary firmness, in the govern- 
ment of his domestic circle. While he demands prompt obedi- 
ence, he should exercise an affectionate moderation. So also of 
the man intrusted with public office — he should mingle the sweet- 
ness of mercy with the necessary severity of justice. — Rev. xi, 1. 
— Ezekiah xi, 3. — 1 Kings vii, 21. 

C. . Who can see this line of rectitude suspended before him, 
and forget that uprightness of conduct is the ornament of this 
life, and the standard by which we are to be tried in order to our 
admission to the next ? By this emblem we are reminded of 
our duty to our maker as well as to our fellow men, whether 
brethren or others. — Compiler. 



MOST EXCELLENT MASTEB. 



43 




A-B... As the 

ark of the co- 
venant, while in 
the house of 
Obed-edom, was 
the occasion of 
temporal pros- 
perity to that house ; so the ark of spiritual 
safety is the salvation of all who believe. 
As, at the removal of the typical ark to its 
resting place, by the king of Israel, a song 
of triumph was sung ; so, when the Saviour 
of men reascended to glory, the stone which 
the builders rejected was received with celes- 
tial transports, and all the angelic host 
shouted " grace, grace unto it." When it 
was seen that this precious stone was "pol- 
ished after the similitude of a palace," and, 
like a mirror, reflected the image of Deity 
— the holy of holies was filled with the in- 
cense of seraphic adoration — kindled by a flame from the altar of 
God. To the horns of this spiritual altar, we may betake our- 
selves and be forever safe from the destroyer. — Compiler. He who 
has passed, with approbation, the oriental chair, and enjoys the dis- 
tinguishing honor of being received and acknowledged as a MOST 
EXCELLENT MASTER, may reflect with pleasure that, next to 




u 



MOST EXCELLENT MASTER. 



the smile of conscience and of heaven, the faithful performance of 
our Respective duties in life is our purest consolation. — Compiler. 




C. . .Who art thou, great mountain ? before Zerubbabel thou 
shalt become a plain ; and he shall bring forth the head stone 
thereof with shoutings, crying, grace unto it. — Zech. iv, 7. 

C. . .To most men the end of life is anticipated with horror ; 
insomuch that thousands of mankind would relinquish the op- 
portunity of gaining an inheritance "incorruptible," in a "better 
country, even a heavenly," if this life could be immortal. Not 
so with the truly good man. He anticipates, with pleasure, a 
season of rest and relief from mortal labors, when the grosser 
implements of sublunary arts shall be suspended in the desolated 
halls of mortality, that the harp of angels may employ his hands 
forever. Then, will there be "no more occasion for Level or 
Plumb-line, for Trowel or Gavel, for Compass or Square." On 
the perfect Level of eternity, neither weakness nor envy will jeo- 
pardize the good man's bright career ; nor will he need an em- 
blem of rectitude, while the example of sister-spirits is ever before 
him. The cement of heavenly love will be spread by the hand 
of Deity, and no imperfection will require the force of art to re- 
move it. Infinitely broad will be the circle of duty, and no 
brother will be disposed to overleap its boundaries, for all will be 
kept within the angle of perfection, by him "who is able to keep 
us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence 
of his glory, with exceeding joy." There the general grand 
lodge of immortality will hold an endless communication, con- 
sisting of the fraternity of the accepted. — Compiler. 



KOYAL ARCH. 



45 




A— P RAYER. 

A. . .The necessity and the frequency of this duty is as clearly 
important to the aged as to the young ; on the borders of the 
grave, as in the flower of manhood. It was pointed out to man, 
in the earliest ages of the world, as a suitable medium of com- 
munion between earth and heaven. Indeed, it is the ladder of 
the patriarch., on which angels descend to minister to the happi- 
ness of mortals. How admirably fined are its three principal 
rounds for the flight of the soul to her immortal mansion ! Its 
benefits are immeasurable, and its obligatory force is commen- 
surate with probationary being. It can never be unimportant 
and useless till i\\e exalted brother shall have passed through the 
veils to repose on the bosom of his maker. Then, in the holy of 
holies — shall he behold his supreme high priest, presiding for- 
ever in the grand council of Heaven. — Man. 130. 




2?.. .This bni Id in g was erected in the wilderness by the ox- 
press command of God, and after the pattern given to Moses 



46 



KOYAL AKCII. 



in the mount. The design of the tabernacle was to com- 
memorate the miraculous deliverance of the children of Israel 
from the hosts of Pharaoh. It was but a temporary struc- 
ture, and prefigured the temple which was to be afterward 
erected in the land of Canaan, as a type of the august and im- 
mortal temple above. — Mon. 139. — Heb. ix, 1 — 5. — Jo. b. iii, 
ch. vi. This degree of Royal Arch masonry is incomparably 
more sublime than any which goes before it — impressing the 
mind with sensible demonstrations of the being and perfections 
of God, as well as of the merits and obedience of his Son, 
our Lord and Saviour. — Ex. iii, 13 — 14, — vi, 2, 2. — 2 Chron. 
xxxvi, 11 — 20, and lx. — Ezra i, 1 — 3. — Jo. xlii, 16. 

£f^-\ C. . . And he made the 

/w JJ_ veil of blue, and purple, 
and crimson, and fine Jin- 
en, and wrought cherubim 
thereon, — 2 Chron. iii, 14, 
for by it the elders obtained 
a good report. Through 
faith we understand that 
the worlds were framed by 
the word of God, so that 
things which are seen were 
not made of things which 
do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent 
sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was 
righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead 
yet speaketh. — Heb. xi, 2 — 5. — Matt, xxvii, 51. 

D. . .When we enter into the world and discover around us the 
effects of the artifice of the tempter in the garden ; and when we 
behold this arch apostate transformed into a serpent, we have 
passed the Jlrst veil of our existence. At the close of life, when 
we are called from this probationary scene and prostrated in the 
pallid leprosy of death, the second veil is drawn behind us. In 
the morning of the resurrection, when the slumbering ashes shall 
revive, and we learn that the words of the woman of Tekoa are 
untrue, when she declares that "we are as water spilt upon the 
ground which cannot be gathered up ;" then shall the third veil 
be parted before us. Judgment being ended, "the righteous 
will be separated to life eternal," having the stamp of the signet 
of heaven on their foreheads, and will be received by the captain 
of salvation. — Mon. 




SECOND SECTION. 



47 



E. . . Perhaps the ineffable 
brightness of the God-head, was 
never so clearly beamed upon 
mortal vision as in that memorable 
transaction which this symbol is 
designed to signfy. We are as- 
sured that " No man can see God 
and live." Thence it was that the 
prophet "hid his face,'" being un- 
able to sustain the bright effulgence 
of uncreated glory. In order to 
gain admission into the heavenly 
mount, burning with greater brillancy than that which dazzled 
the prophet of Sinai, we must be "purified as by fire." 




F. . .Therefore he brought upon them the king of the Chaldees, 
who slew their young men with the sword, in the house of their 
sanctuary, and had no compassion upon young men or maiden, 
old men, or him that stooped for age : he gave them all into his 
hand. And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, 
and the treasures of the 
house of the Lord, and 
the treasures of the king, 
and of his princes ; all 
these he brought to 
Babylon. And they 
burnt the house of God, 
and brake down the 
wall of Jerusalem, and 
burnt all the palaces 
thereof with fire, and 
destroyed all the goodly 
vessels thereof. And 
them that had escaped 
from the sword, car- 
ried he away to Ba- 
bylon : where they were 
servants to him and his 
sons, until the reign of 
the kingdom of Persia. 
■ — 2Chron, xxxvi, 17 — 20. 







48 



ROYAL ARCH. 



GL.NTow in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, the Lord stir- 
red up I lie spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, that he made a proclama- 
tion throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, say- 
ing, Thus saith Cyrus, king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven 
hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he hath charg- 
ed me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 

PROCLAMATION OF CYRUS. 

WHO IS THERE AMONG YOU OF ALL HIS PEOPLE? HIS 
GOD BE WITH HIM, AND LET HIM GO UP TO JERUSALEM 
WHICH IS IN JUDAH, AND BUILD THE HOUSE OF THE LORD 
GOD OF ISRAEL, HE IS THE GOD, WHICH IS IN JERUSALEM. 
— Ezra i, 1— 3. 




And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the 
children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your 
fathers halh sent me unto you ; and they shall say to me, What 
is his name ? what shall I say unto them ? 

And God said unto Moses, I am that I am : And thusshalt 
thou sav unto the children of Israel, I am hath sent me unto you. 
—Exod. iii, 13, 14. 

L. . . And the Lord said unlo him, What is that in thy hand, 
and he said a rod. And he said, Cast it on the ground. And ha 



S15C0ND SECTION. 49 

cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent ; and Moses fled 
from before it. And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thy 
hand and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and 
caught it, and it became a rod in his hand. — Exod. iv, 3 — 4. 

And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thy hand 
into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom : and when 
he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow. And he 
said, Put thy hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand 
into his bosom again, and plucked it out of his bosom ; and, be- 
hold, it was turned again as his other flesh. — Exod. iv, 6, 7. 

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these 
two signs,*** thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour 
it upon the dry land ; and the water which thou takest out of the 
river shall become blood upon the dry land. — Exod. iv, 9. 




R. . .And thou shalt make the breast-plate of judgment with 
cunning work ; and thou shalt set it in setting of stones, even 
four rows of stones : the first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, 
and a carbuncle. And the second row shall be an emerald, a 
sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an a<>-ate, 
and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, 
and a jasper : they shall be set in gold in their inclosino-s. And 
the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, 
twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet. — 
Exod. xxviii, 15, 17. And thou shalt make the robe of the ephod 
all of blue. And beneath, upon the hem of it thou shalt make 
pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, round about 
the hem thereof; and bells of gold between them roundabout. — 
Exod. xxviii, 31 — 33. And they made ihe plate of (he holy crown 
of pure gold, and wrote upon it a writing, like lo ihe engravings 
of a signet, HOLINESS TO THE LORD.— Exod. xxxix, 30. 



50 



ROYAL ARCH. 
* * * 





I.. .This affecting emblem, as masonically contemplated, has a 
twofold reference, peculiarly calculated to awaken reverence on 
the one hand and devotion on the other.— Compiler. 




J. . .Since the sentence of heaven has gone forth, "In the 
sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread," it becomes us cheerfully 
to submit, laboring industriously in our respective callings ; and 
though we may be "ashamed to beg," while we are in health, it 
is ever honorable to dig for golden or vegetable treasures in the 
bowels of the earth. — Compiler. These figures admit of a two- 
fold reference, well understood by every intelligent Companion. 
They claim the veneration of all good masons, as well for their 
direct, as for their indirect allusions. The persons immediately 
represented were deserving of the highest regard while in their 
earthly tabernacle, and they remind us of that distinction which 
is due to merit, and of that respect which our order are so prone 
to entertain for all in civil authority, and places of political trust. 
— Josephus, booh iii, section 8. 

" This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not 
by might nor power, but by my spirit. Who art thou, great 



SECOND SECTION. 



51 



mountain ? before Zerubbabel thou shall; become a ^lain, and 
he shall bring forth the head stone thereof with shoutings, crying, 
Grace, grace unto it. Moreover the word of the Lord came unto 
me, saying, The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation 
of this house, his hands shall also finish it; and thou shall; 
know that the Lord of Hosts hath sent me unto you. For who 
hath despised the day of small things ? for they shall rejoice, 
and shall see the plummet in the hands of Zerubbabel with those 
seven." — Zech. iv, 6 — 10. 




* * * 




K.. .These implements have been already explained, but every 
Companion has a satisfactory reason why they are here placed. 
Do they not remind us of three ancient worthies who have been 
sleeping for ages in the dust, and on whose graves the tears of 
thousands successively fall, nourishing the baimy cassia that 
flourishes there ? — Compiler. 

L — M . . .For there was a tabernacle made ; the first, where- 
in was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread ; which 
is called the Sanctuary. And after the second veil, the taber- 
nacle which is called the holiest of all ; which had the golden 
censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with 
gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's 
rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant ; and over it the 
ciierubims of glory, shadowing the mercy seat ; of which we can 
not now speak particularly. — Heb. ix, 3 — 4. 

" In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is 
fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and I will raise up his 
ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old." — Amos, ix, 11 



52 



ROYAL ARCH. 




M. This sacred treasure, long lost, but happily found by an 
ancient' brother, is worthy of the strict perusal of every one, 
whether a brother or a stranger.— Specul. Mas. 207. 

And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord com- 
mande'th, Fill an omer of it to be kept for J^ generations ; 
that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed ,you i the 
wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt 
P Can the mason look at this symbol, budding, blossoming 
and bearino- fruit, in a day, and not reflect on the progress of our 
Tture from youth to manhood, and from manhood to trembling 
decrepitude ? Soon do the buds of infancy bloom on be cheek 
of youth, and, as soon are the blossoms of time succeeded b) the 
fruits of eternity. — Mbn. 135. 

JST. .This symbol may be improved to impress upon the mind 
of every Companion, the importance of those secrets which have 
been transmitted through thirty centuries amidst bit .tor perse- 
cutions, for the benefit of the sons of light As we have thus 
received them, untarnished by the touch of profane curiosity, 
and unimpaired by the revolution of time and empires let us de- 
liver them, in all their purity and perfection, to succedmg breth- 
ren, confident that they will never be divulged to such as are 
unworthy. 



ODES 



IOB 



MASONIC OCCASIONS. 



BY ROB MORRIS AND OTHERS. 



ODES 



FOR 



MASONIC OCCASIONS. 



SECTION FIRST 



OPENING THE LODGE. 



1. COME, BROTHERS. 

BY THOMAS POWERS. 

Air — See Manual 3fasonic Ifusic, page 14.* 

Come, Brothers of the Craft, unite, 

In generous purpose bound ; 
Let holy love and radiant light 

In all our works be found. 
Where columns rise in beauteous form, 

Untouched by time's decay, 
We'll fear no dark or threat' ning storm, 

To cloud our passing day. 

And as we pass life's journey o'er, 

Though trouble's waves may rise, 
Our faith shall rest on that bright shore, 

Beyond- the changing skies, 
Where columns rise in beauteous form, 

Untouched by time's decay, 
We'll fear no dark or threat'ning storm, 

To cloud our passing day. 



* The Manual of Masonic Music constitutes the XXIYth Yolume of the Universal 
Masonic Library. It contains 121 Masonic Odes set to music ; also a number of 
Marches and Voluntaries, and 126 Odes unaccompanied with notes. 

(3) 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

2. THE MASONS' HOME. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — "Bonny Doon." 

Where hearts are warm with kindred fire, 

And love beams free from answering eyes, 
Bright spirits hover always there, 

And that's the home the Masons prize. 

The Masons' Home ! Ah, peaceful home, 

The home of love and light and joy : — 
How gladly does the Mason come 
To share his tender, sweet employ. 

All round the world, by land, by sea, 

Where Summers burn or Winters chill, 
The exiled Mason turns to thee, 

And yearns to share the joys we feel. 

The Masons' Home 1 Ah, happy home, 

The home of light and love and joy : — 
There's not an hour but I would come 
And share this tender, sweet employ. 

A weary task, a dreary round, 

Is all benighted man may know, 
But here a brighter scene is found, 
The brightest scene that's found below. 

The Masons' Home ! Ah, blissful home, 

Glad center of unmingled joy: — 
Long as I live I'll gladly come 

And share this tender, sweet employ. 

And when the hour of death shall come, 

And darkness seal my closing eye, 
May hands fraternal bear me home, 
The home where weary Masons' lie. 

The Masons' Home ! Ah, heavenly home, 

To faithful hearts eternal joy: — 
How blest to find beyond the tomb 
The end of all our sweet employ ! 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

UNIVERSALITY OF FREEMASONRY. 

BY KOB MORRIS. 

Air— " Feast of Roses." 

Wherever man is tracing 

The weary ways of care, 
Midst wild and desert pacing 

Or land of softer air, 
We surely know each other, 

And with good words of cheer, 
Each Brother hails his Brother, 

And hope wings lightly there. 

Wherever tears are falling, 
The soul's dark wint'ry rain, 

And human sighs are calling, 
To human hearts in vain, 

We surely know each other, etc. 

Wherever prayer is spoken 

In earnestness of faith, 
We're minded of the token 

That tells our Master's death 
We pray, then, for each other, etc. 

Wherever man is lying, 

Unknowing and unknown, 
There's one yet by the dying, 

He shall not die alone ; 
For then we know each other, 

And with good words of cheer, 
Each Brother hails his Brother, 

And Hope wings lightly there. 

4. YE HAPPY FEW. 

Air — See Chase's Masonic Harp, p. 22. 

Ye happy few who here extend 
In peaceful lines, from East to West, 

With fervent zeal the Lodge defend, 
And lock its secrets in your breast. 

Since ye are met upon the Square, 

Bid Love and Friendship jointly reign, 

Be Peace and Harmony your care, — 
They form an adamantine chain. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 



SECTION SECOND. 



INITIATION. 



1. BEHOLD HOW PLEASANT. 

BY GILES F. YATES. 

Air — " Auld Lang Syne." 

Behold how pleasant and how good 

For Brethren such as we, 
Of the united Brotherhood, 

To dwell in unity. 
'Tis like the oil on Aaron's head, 

Which to his feet distills, 
Like Hermon's dew so richly shed 

On Sion's sacred hills. 

For there the Lord of Light and Love 

A blessing sent with power : — 
Oh may we all this blessing prove 

Even life forever more. 
On Friendship's altar, rising here, 

Our hands now plighted be, 
To live in love with hearts sincere, 

In peace and unity. 

9. WHILE JOURNEYINGr. 

Air — Masonic Musical Manual, p. 6. 

BY THOMAS POWERS. 

While journeying on our darksome Way, 

By love fraternal led, 
Supreme Conductor, Thee we pray, 

To smooth the path we tread ; 
No fear shall cross the trusting heart, 

In faith reposed above, 
No dearer joy can life impart, 

Than breathes in words of Love. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

SECTION THIRD 

PASSING. 



1. BROTHERS FAITHFUL. 

BY HERCULES ELLIS. 

Air — Masonic Musical Manual, p. 8. 

Brothers faithful and deserving 
Now the second rank you fill, 

Purchased by your faultless serving, 
Leading to a higher still. 

Thus from rank to rank ascending, 
Mounts the Mason's path of love, 

Bright its earthly course, and ending 
In the glorious Lodge above. 



SECTION FOURTH 



RAISING. 



1. LET US REMEMBER. 

BY THOMAS POWEKS. 

Air — See Manual of Masonic Music, p. 10. 

Let us remember in our youth, 

Before the evil days draw nigh, 
Our Great Creator, and his Truth, 

Ere memory fail, and pleasures fly; 
Or sun, or moon, or planet's light 

Grow dark, or clouds return in gloom ; 
Ere vital spark no more incite ; 

When strength shall bow and years consum : 

Let us in youth remember Him ! 

Who formed our frame, and spirits gave, 
Ere windows of the mind grow dim, 

Or door of speech obstructed wave ; 
When voice of bird fresh terrors wake, 

And music's daughters charm no more, 
Or fear to rise, with trembling shake, 

Along the path we travel o'er. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

In youth, to God let memory cling, 

Before desire shall fail or wane, 
Or e'er be loosed life's silver string, 

Or bowl at fountain rent in twain ; 
For man to his long home doth go, 

And mourners group around his urn ! 
Our dust to dust again must flow, 

And spirits unto God return. 



2. SOLEMN STRIKES. 

BY DAVID VINTON. 

Air — Manual of Masonic Music, p. 13. 

Solemn strikes the funeral chime, 
Notes of our departing time ; 
As we journey here below, 
Thro' a pilgrimage of wo. 



Mortals now indulge a tear, 
For Mortality is here; 
See how wide her trophies wave, 
O'er the slumbers of the grave. 



Here another Guest we bring ! 
Seraphs of celestial wing, 
To our funeral altar come, 
Waft a Friend and Brother home. 



Lord of all below, above, 
Fill our souls with Truth and Love ; 
As dissolves our earthly tie, 
Take us to thy Lodge on high. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 



SECTION FIFTH. 



CLOSING. 



1. ONE HOUR WITH YOU. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — " Auld Lang Syne." 

One hour with you, one hour with you, 

No doubt, nor care, nor strife, 
Is worth a weary year of wo, 

In all that lightens life. 
One hour with you, and you, and you, 

Bright links in mystic chain — 
Oh may we oft these joys renew, 

And often meet again. 

Your eyes with love's own language free. 

Your hand-grips, strong and true, 
Your voice, your heart, do welcome me 

To spend an hour with you, etc. 

I come when morning skies are bright, 

To work my Mason's due — 
To labor is my chief delight, 

And spend an hour with you, etc. 

I go when evening gilds the west 

I breathe the fond adieu, 
But hope again, by fortune blest, 

To spend an hour with you. 
One hour with you, and you, and you, 

Bright links in mystic chain- 
On may we oft these joys renew, 

And often meet again. 

BROTHERS, ERE TO-NIGHT. 

BY G. W. CHASE. 

Air — Chase's Masonic Harp, p. 62. 

Brothers, ere to-night we part, 
Every voice and every heart, 
Grateful souls to Heaven raise, 
Hymning forth your songs of praise. 



10 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Brothers, we may meet no more ; 
Yet there is a happier shore, 
Where, released from toil and pain, 
Brothers, we shall meet again. 



3. THE LEVEL AND THE SQUARE. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

We meet upon the Level and we part upon the Square, 
What words of precious meaning those words Masonic are ! 
Come, let us contemplate them, they are worthy of a thought, 
With the highest, and the lowest, and the rarest they are fraught. 

We meet upon the Level, though from every station come ; 
The monarch from his palace, and the poor man from his home ; 
For the one must leave his diadem outside the Mason's door, 
And the other finds his true respect upon the checkered floor. 

We part upon the Square, for the world must have its due ; 
We mingle with the multitude, a cold, unfriendly crew, 
But the influence of our gatherings in memory is green, 
And we long upon the Level to renew the happy scene. 



There 's a world where all are equal — we are hurrying toward it fast ; 
We shall meet upon the Level there, when the gates of death are past j 
We shall stand before the Orient, and our Master will be there 
To try the blocks we offer by his own unerring Square. 

We shall meet upon the Level there, but never thence depart ; 
There 's a Mansion — 'tis all ready for each trusting, faithful heart- 
There T s a Mansion and a welcome and a multitude is there 
Who have met upon the Level, and been tried upon the Square. 

Let us meet upon the Level then, while laboring patient here ; 
Let us meet and let us labor, tho' the labor be severe ; 
Already in the Western Sky the signs bid us prepare 
To gather up our Working tools and part upon the Square ! 

Hands round ye faithful Masons, form the bright, fraternal chain, 
We part upon the Square below, to meet in heaven again. 
Oh what words of precious meaning those words Masonic are, 
We meet upon the Level and we part upon the Square ! 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 11 

4. ADIEU! A HEART-WARM. 

BY ROBERT BURNS. 

Adieu ! a heart- warm, fond adieu, 

Dear brothers of the mystic tie ! 
Ye favored, ye enlightened few, 

Companions of my social joy! 
Tho' I to foreign lands must hie, 

Pursuing fortune's sliddry ba', 
With melting heart, and brimful eye, 

I'll mind you still, tho' far awa'. 

Oft hare I met your social band, 

And spent the cheerful festive night; 
Oft honored with supreme command, 

Presided o'er the sons of light: 
And by that hieroglyphic bright, 

Which none but craftsmen ever saw 1 
Strong mem'ry on my heart shall write 

Those happy scenes when far awa'. 



May freedom, harmony and love, 

Unite you in the grand design, 
Beneath th' Omniscient Eye above, 

The glorious Architect divine ! 
That you may keep th' unerring line, 

Still rising by the plummet's law, 
Till order bright completely shine, 

Shall be my pray'r when far awa'. 



And you, farewell ! whose merits claim 

Justly, that highest badge to wear ! 
Heav'n bless your honor' d, noble name, 

To Masonry and Scotia dear ! 
A last request permit me here, 

When yearly ye assemble a', 
One round, I ask it with a tear, 

To him, the bard that's far awa'. 



12 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

5. AULD LANG SYNE. 

BY ROBERT BURNS. 

Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 

And never brought to min' ? 
Should auld acquaintance be forgot, 

And days of Auld Lang Syne ? 
For Auld Lang Syne, my dear, 

For Auld Lang Syne ; 
We'll take a cup of kindness yet, 

For Auld Lang Syne. 

An' here 's a hand, my trusty fier, 

An' gie's a hand of thine ; 
An' we'll toom the stowp to friendship's growth, 

And days of Auld Lang Syne. 
For Auld Lang Syne, etc. 

An' surely ye' 11 be your pint stowp, 

An' surely I'll be mine; 
An' we'll take a right good willywaught, 

For Auld Lang Syne. 

For Auld Lang Syne, etc. 



SECTION SIXTH 



FUNERAL. RITES. 



1. WREATHE THE MOURNING BADGE AROUND. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — " PleyeVs Hymn." 

Wreathe the mourning badge around — 
Brothers hark ! a funeral sound ! 
Where the parted had his home, 
Meet and bear him to the tomb. 

While they journey, weeping, slow 
Silent, thoughtful let us go ; 
Silent — life to him is sealed : 
Thoughtful — death to him's revealed. 

How his life path has been trod, 
Brothers, leave we unto God ! 
Friendship's mantle, love and faith, 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 13 

Here amidst the things that sleep, 
Let him rest — his grave is deep ; 
Death has triumphed ; loving hands 
Can not raise him from his bands. 

But the emblems that we shower, 
Tell us there's a mightier power, — 
O'er the strength of death and hell, 
Judah's Lion shall prevail. 

Dust to dust, the dark decree — 
Soul to God, the soul is free : 
Leave him with the lowly lain — 
Brothers, we shall meet again. 



PRECIOUS IN THE SIGHT. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air— " Mozart: 1 



Precious in the sight of heaven 

Is the place where Christians die ; 
Souls with all their sins forgiven, 

To the courts of glory fly. 
Every sorrow, every burden, 

Every cross they lay it down ; 
Jesus gives them richest guerdon 

In his own immortal crown. 

Here, above our Brother weeping, 

Through our tears we seize this hope — 
He in Jesus sweetly sleeping, 

Shall awake in glory up ! 
He has borne his cross in sorrow, 

Weary pilgrim, all forlorn, 
"When the sun shines bright to-morrow, 

'Twill reveal his sparkling crown. 

Knights of Christ, your ranks are broken t 

Close your front ! the foe is nigh ! 
Shield to Shield! behold the token 

As he saw it in the sky ! 
By that Sign so bright, so glorious, 

Ye shall conquer if ye strive, 
And like him, though dead, victorious, 

In the courts of Jesus live. 



/ 



14 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

3. UNVAIL THY BOSOM. 

Air — See Masonic Musical Manual, p. 325. 

Unvail thy bosom, faithful tomb ; 

Take this new treasure to thy trust, 
And give these sacred relics room 

To slumber in the silent dust. 



Nor pain, nor grief, nor anxious fear, 
Invade thy bounds ; no mortal woes 

Can reach the silent sleepers here, 
While angels watch their soft repose. 



Here, Brother, sleep, beneath the stone 
Which tells a mortal here is laid, 

Rest, here, 'till God shall from his throne, 
The darkness break, and pierce the shadtt 



Break from his throne, illustrious morn ! 

Attend, earth ! God's sov'reign word 
Restore thy trust — a glorious form — 

He must ascend to meet his Lord. 



4. BEAR HIM HOME. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Bear him home, his bed is made 
In the stillness, in the shade ; 
Day has parted, night has come, 
Bear the Brother to his home. 

Bear him home. 

Bear him home, no more to roam — 
Bear the tired pilgrim home ; 
Forward ! all his toils are o'er, 
Home, where journeying is no more. 
Bear him home. 

Lay him down — his bed is here — 
See, the dead are resting near; 
Brothers they their Brothers own, 
Lay the wanderer gently down. 
Lnv him down. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 



15 



Lay him down ; let nature spread 
Starry curtains o'er the dead; " 
Lay him down ; let angel eyes 
View him kindly from the skies. 
Lay him down. 

Ah, not yet for us, the bed 
Where the faithful pilgrim's laid; 
Pilgrims weep ! again to go 
Through life's weariness and wo. 
Ah, not yet ! 

Soon 'twill come, if faithful here, 
Soon the end of all our care ; 
Strangers here, we seek a home, 
Friends and Saviour, in the tomb. 
Soon 'twill come ! 

Let us go, and on our way, 
Faithful journey, faithful pray; 
Through the sunshine, through the snow, 
Boldly, Brother pilgrims go ! 
Let us go ! 



SECTION SEVENTH 



FESTIVAL. 



1. "HIGH TWELVE." 

BY BRO. B. B. FRENCH. 

List to the strokes of the bell — 
High twelve ! 
Sweet on the air they swell, 
To those who have labored well, 
And the Warden's voice is heard — 
From the South comes the cheering word, 
"In quarries no longer delve." 



Again, 'tis the Warden's call, 

" High twelve ! 
"Lay aside gavel, hammer and maul, 
" Refreshment for Craftsmen all, 
" By the generous Master is given 
" To those who have cheerily striven 

" Like men in the quarries to delve. 



16 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

There is to each mortal's life 

High twelve ! 
In the midst of his worldly strife — 
With Earth's groveling luxuries rife, 
The voice of the Warden comes, 
Like the roll of a thousand drums, 

"- In Earth's quarries no longer delve ! " 

List to the tones of the bell, 

" High twelve ! " 
As if from on high they fell, 
Their silvery echoes swell, 
And again the voice we hear, 
As if from an upper sphere, 

" Hence for heavenly treasures delve." 

There shall ring in the world of bliss 

High twelve ! 
When relieved from our work in this, 
If we've lived not our lives amiss ; 
The Master shall call us, there 
Our immortal crown to wear, 

No more in Earth's quarries to delve. 



2. HIGH XII. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

There's columns II and pillars V, 

Support and grace our Halls of truth ; 
But none such sparkling pleasure give 
As the column that adorns the S. 

" High xii; " the J. W. calls, 

His column grants the festive hour, 
And through our antiquated halls 
Rich streams of social gladness pour. 

'Tis then all care and toil forgot, 
The bond indissoluble seems; 
'Tis then the world's a happy spot, 

And hope unmixed with sadness gleams. 

High xii ; I've shared the festive hour 

With those who realize the bliss ; 
And felt that life contains no more 
Than sparkles in the joys of this. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 



17 



What memories hover round the time ! 

What forms rise up to call it blest! 
Departed friends, why should it dim 
Our joys to know that they're at rest 1 

High xii; how they rejoiced to hearl 
Quickly each implement laid down, 
Glad to exchange for toil, and care, 
And heavy cross, a heavenly crown. 

Then comrades all by 3X3, 

Linked in the golden chain of Truth, 
A hearty welcome pledge with me 
To the column that adorns the S. 

High xii ; and never be the hour 

Less free, less brotherly than now ! 
High xii ; a rich libation pour 
To joys that none but Masons know ! 



3. LEANING TOWARD EACH OTHER. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

The jolts of life are many 

As we dash along the track ; 
The way is rough and rugged 
And our bones they sorely rack : 
We're tossed about, 
"We're in and out, 

We make a mighty pother, 
Far less would be 
Our pains, if we 

Would lean toward each other ! 



Behold that loving couple 
Just mated for their life, 
What care they for the joltings, 
That happy man and wife ! 
The cars may jump, 
Their heads may bump, 

And jostle one another. 
They only smile, 
And try the while, 

To lean toward each other 1 



18 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Wo to the luckless pilgrim 
Who journeys all alone ; 
Well said the Wise King Solomon, 
" Two better is than one ! " 

For when the ground's 
Most rugged found, 

And great's the pain and pother, 
Who can not break 
The sorest shake, 

By leaning toward another ! 

There's not one in 10,000 

Of all the cares we mourn, 
But what, if 'twas divided 
Might easily be borne ! 
If we'd but learn 
When fortunes turn 

To share them with a Brother, 
We'd prove how good's 
Our brotherhood, 
By leaning toivard each other. 

Then Masons take my counsel, 

The landmarks teach you so — 
Share all your joltings fairly 
As down the track you go ! 
Yes, give and take 
Of every shake, 

With all the pain and pother, 
And thus you'll prove 
Your Mason's love 

By leaning toward each other ! 



4. TO MASONS EVERY WHEEE. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — u Auld Lang 



In gladsome mood again we're met — 

How swiftly passed the year! 
Begin the feast, and Brothers, drink 
To Masons every where ! 

A Mason's love is unrestrained, 
Each other's woes we share; 
Then lift the cup, and Brothers,, drink 
To Masons every where ! 



ODES TOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 19 

What would our Mystic Tie be. worth — 

How little should we care 

For Masonry, did not its links 

Encircle evert where ! 

With Mason's love so unrestrained, 

Each other's woes to share, 
Well may we fill the cup, and drinl> 
To MasoNs every where ! 

Though some we loved have fallen on 

The weary path of care ; 
What then ? In Heaven they're yet our own 
To Masons every where ! 

For Mason's love, so unrestrained, 

Eternity may dare! 
Then, Brothers, fill and fondly drink 
To Masons every where. 

And so, when death shall claim us too, 

And other forms be here, 
May we in memory's heart be held 
By Masons every where. 

For Mason's love is unrestrained, 
Nor death the chain may tear ; 
O'erflow the cup, and Brothers, drink, 
To Masons every where. 



SECTION EIGHTH 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



1. A HEBREW CHANT. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Lonely is Sion. cheerless and still, 
Shekinah has left thee, thou desolate hill ; 
Winds sweep around thee, familiar their tone, 
But trumpet, timbrel, song, are gone. 

Joyous was Sion on that glorious day, 
When Israel beheld all thy temple's display; 
Heaven sent a token approvingly down, 
But temple, altar, cloud, are gone. 



20 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Foemen of Sion uplifted their spear, 
The brand to thy temple, the chain to each frere ; 
Pilgrims and strangers, thy children yet mourn- 
But foemen, fetter, brand, are gone. 

Spirit of Sion, Oh, hasten the day 
When Israel shall gather in matchless array 
Lord, build thine altars — thy people return ; 
For temple, altar, cloud, are gone. 



2. DUTIES OF THE CRAFT. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Come, and let us seek the straying — ■ 

Lead him to the Shepherd back ; 
Come, the traveler's feet betraying, 
Guide him from the dangerous track. 
Come, a solemn voice reminds us — 
Come, a mystic fetter binds us ; 
Masons, here your duties lie — 
Hark ! the poor and needy cry 

Come and help the worthy poor — 
Break to him the needed bread ; 
Longer he can not endure — 

Come, ere famine mark him dead. 
Bounties rich to us supplying, 
To the poor are oft denying ; 
Masons, here your duties lie — 
Hark ! the poor and needy cry. 

Come where sorrow has its dwelling — 

Comfort bring to souls distressed ; 
To the friendless mourner telling 
Of the Rock that offers rest. 

What would life be but for heaven? 
Come, to us this message given ; 
Masons, here your duties lie — 
Hark ! the poor and needy cry. 

Band of brothers, every nation 

Hails your bright and orient light; 
Fervent, zealous, free — your station 
Calls for deeds of noblest might. 

Seek — the world is full of sorrow ; 
Act — your life will end to-morrow ; 
Masons, here your duties lie — 
Hark ! the poor and needy cry. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 21 

3. BROTHERLY LOYE. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

By one God created, by one Saviour saved, 
By one Spirit lighted, by one mark engraved, 
We're taught in the wisdom our spirits approve, 
To cherish the spirit of Brotherly Love. 

Love, love, Brotherly Love ; 

This world has no spirit like Brotherly Love. 

In the land of the stranger we Masons abide, 

In forest, in quarry, on Lebanon's side; 

Yon Temple we're building — its plan's from above— 

And we labor supported by Brotherly Love. 

Though the service be hard, and the wages be scant, 
If the Master accept it our hearts are content ; 
The prize that we toil for, we'll have it above, 
When the Temple's completed in Brotherly Love. 

Yes, yes — though the week be so long, it will end ; 
Though the Temple be lofty, the Keystone will stand, 
And the Sabbath, blest day, every thought will remove, 
Save the rnem'ry fraternal of Brotherly Love. 

By one God created — come, brothers, His day ; 
By one Spirit lighted, come, brothers, away ! 
With Beauty and Wisdom and Strength to approve, 
Let's toil while there's labor in Brotherly Love. 

Love, love, Brotherly Love ; 

This world has no spirit like Brotherly Love. 

4, THE SLIPPER. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Take this pledge — it is a token 
Of that truth which ne'er was broken ; 
Truth which binds the mystic tie, 
Under the Allseeing eye. 

Take this pledge — each ancient brother, 
By this type bound every other, 
Firm, securely — death alone 
Bent the bonds that made them one. 



22 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Take this pledge — no pledge so holy, 
Though the symbol seem but lowly ; 
'Tis Divine— it tells of One, 
Of the raindrops and the sun. 

Take this pledge — the token sealeth 
All the Judgment Day revealeth : 
Honor, Truth, Fraternal Grace, 
Brother, in thy hands I place. 



5. THE SYMBOLS ON THE TABLET. 

BY HOB MORRIS. 

A Brother bound for distant lands, 

In sickness fell alone, alone, 
And stranger care, from stranger hands, 

Did the last rites of nature own 
But ere the trembling spirit passed, 
He on a tablet faintly traced 

Some mystic lines, a spiral thread, 
A square, an emblem of the sun, 

A checkered band that none could read — 
And then his work and life were done : 

And stranger care, from stranger hands, 

Gave him kind burial in the sands. 

Full many a year swept by, swept by, 
And the poor stranger was forgot, 

While, on an olive column nigh, 

That Tablet marked his burial spot ; 

And many gazed at square and thread, 

And many guessed, but none could read. 

But then a sage Disciple came, 

Of one whose wisdom filled the land, 

Himself right worthy of the name, 

" The thoughtful head and ready hand ; " 

He looked upon the mystic lines, 
And read the tablet's full designs. 

It spoke of one long passed before, 

In quest of truth, like him sincere, — 

Of one gone onward, never more 
To delve in mines deep hidden here ; 

And solemn was the lesson traced — 

"Come, pilgrim, 'tis your fate at last." 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 23 

Awe-struck, yet wiser now, he strayed 

In solemn silence from the spot ; 
Repaid the debt his Brother made, 

And eastward journeyed on his lot ; 
Yet never on life's shifting wave 
Lost he the lesson of that grave. 

How weighty is the charge we give, 

Brethren in this short history read, 
To bless the living while we live, 

And leave some token when we're dead. 
On life's broad tablet let us trace 

Emblems to mark our burial place. 



©. THE ALL-SEEINQ EYE. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

There is an Eye through blackest night, 

A vigil ever keeps, 
A vision of unerring light, 
O'er lowly vale or giddy hight, 
The Eye that never sleeps. 

Midst poverty and sickness lain, 

The outcast lowly weeps ; 
What marks the face, convulsed with pain ? 
"What marks the softened look again? 

The Eye that never sleeps. 

Above, above the highest sun, 

Below profoundest deeps — 
Where dewy day his course begun, 
Where scarlet marks his labors done, 

The Eye that never sleeps. 

No limit bounds th' eternal sight, 

No misty cloud o'ersweeps ; 
The depths of hell give up their light, 
Eternity itself is bright — 

The Eye that never sleeps. 

Then rest we calm, though round our head 

The life-storm fiercely sweeps ; 
What fear is in the blast? what dread 
In mightier death? an eye's o'erhead — 

The Eye that never sleeps. 



24 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

7 LIGHT FROM THE EAST. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Light from the East, 'tis gilded with hope, 
Star of our faith, thy glory is up ! 
Darkness apace and watchfulness flee ; 
Earth lend thy joys to nature and me. 

Lo we have seen uplifted on high, 
Star in the East, thy rays from the sky ; 
Lo we have heard — what joy to our ear ! 
Come, ye redeemed, and welcome him here. 

Light to the blind, they've wandered too long: 
Feet to the lame, the weak are made strong; 
Hope to the joyless, freely 'tis given; 
Life to the dead, and music to Heaven. 

Praise to the Lord — keep silence no more; 
Eansomed, rejoice from mountain to shore, 
Streams in the desert, sing as ye stray, 
Sorrow and sadness vanish away. 



8. THE EMBLEMS OF THE CRAFT. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Who wears the square upon his breast, 
Does in the eye of God attest, 

And in the face of man, 
That all his actions do compare 
With the Divine, th' unerring square — 
That squares great virtue's plan : 
That he erects his Edifice 
By this design and this and this! 

Who wears the Level says that pride 
Does not within his soul abide, 

Nor foolish vanity ; 
That man has but a common doom, 
And from the cradle to the tomb 

A common destiny: 
That he erects his Edifice 
By this design, and this and this ! 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 25 

Who wears the G ; ah, type divine ! 
Abhors the atmosphere of sin, 

And trusts in God alone; 
His Father, Maker, Friend, he knows — 
He vows, and pays to God his vows, 

As by th' Eternal throne : 
And he erects his Edifice 
By this design, and this and this ! 

Who wears the Plumb, behold how true 
His words, his walk ! and could we view 

The chambers of his soul, 
Each thought enshrined, so pure, so good, 
By the stern line of rectitude, 

Points truly to the goal : 
And he erects his Edifice 
By this design, and this and this! 

Thus life and beauty come to view 
In each design our fathers drew, 

So glorious, so sublime; 
Each breathes an odor from the bloom 
Of gardens bright beyond the tomb, 

Beyond the flight of time : 
And bids us build on this and this, 
The walls of God's own Edifice ! 



9. THE WIDOW AND THE FATHERLESS. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

As on my road delaying, 

The stream's cool water by, 
My thoughts in fancy straying, 
I heard a plaintive cry — 

There may be hope in heaven, 

For us no hope is here; 

Oh why was joy thus given, 

So soon to disappear? 

Around a grave was weeping 
A widowed, orphan band; 
Beneath their feet was sleeping 
The husband, father, friend; 

And as their sorrows swelling, 

Broke forth midst sigh and tear, 
Again these words were telling — 
Alas, no hope is here. 



26 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

The stream's cool waters flowing, 

No longer sung to me ; 
The soft Spring sunbeams glowing, 
Were cheerless all to see; 

For still that widowed mother, 
And still those orphans dear, 
Bewailed my buried Brother — 
Alas, no hope is here. 

My Brother ! yes, forsaken 

These loved ones round thee mourn, 
Too soon from friendship taken — 
Dear Brother, thou art gone: 

Gone from a cold world's sighing, 

From sorrow and from fear, 
But left these mourners crying — 
Alas no hope is here. 

Those tears, my heart, are holy : 
Those sighs by anguish driven, 
This mourning group so lowly, 
Are messengers of heaven. 

And so will I receive them, 

As God shall give me cheer; 

Protect them and relieve them, 

And teach them hope is here. 



10. THE PERFECT ASHLEES. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

The sunbeams from the eastern sky, 
Flash from yon blocks exalted high, 
And on their polished fronts proclaim 
The Framer and the Builder's fame. 

Glowing beneath the fervid noon, 
Yon marble dares the southern sun; 
Yet tells that wall of fervid flame, 
The Framer and the Builder's fame. 

The chastened sun adown the West, 
Speaks the same voice and sinks to rest* 
No sad defect, no flaw to shame 
The Framer and the Builder's fame. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 27 

Beneath the dewy night, the sky 
Lights up ten thousand lamps on high ; 
Ten thousand lamps unite to name 
The Framer and the Builder's fame. 



Perfect in line, exact in square, 
The Ashlers of the Craftsmen are ; 
They will to coming time proclaim 
The Framer and the Builder's fame. 



U. THE WISE CHOICE OF SOLOMON. 

I. Kings, in : 5. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Music — "The Banks of Banna. 1 " 

When in the dreams of night he lay, 

Fancy-led through earth and air, 
Whispered from the heavenly way, 

The voice of promise met his ear ; 
Fancy ceased his pulse to thrill — 

Gathered home each earnest thought — ■ 
And his very heart was still, 

Awhile the gracious words he caught. 

"Ask me whatsoe'er thou wilt, 

Fame or wealth, or royal power ; 
Ask me, ask me, and thou shalt 

Such favors have as none before ! " 
Silence through the midnight air — ■ 

Silence in the thoughtful breast — 
What of all that's bright and fair, 

Appeared to youth and hope the best ? 

'Twas no feeble tongue replied, 

While in awe his pulses stood: 
11 Wealth and riches be denied, 

But give me Wisdom, voice of God ! 
Give me wisdom in the sight 

Of the people thou dost know; 
Give me of thyself the light, 

And ail the rest I can forego." 



28 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Thus, Lord, in visions fair, 

When we hear thy promise-voice, 
Thus like him will we declare, 

That Wisdom is our dearest choice. 
Light of heaven, ah priceless boon ! 

Guiding o'er the troubled way ; 
What is all an earthly sun, 

To his celestial, chosen ray ? 

Wisdom hath her dwelling reared,* 

Lo, the mystic pillars seven ! 
Wisdom for her guests hath cared, 

And meat and wine and bread hath given. 
Turn we not while round us cry 

Tongues that speak her mystic word; 
They that scorn her voice shall die, 

But whoso hear are friends of God. 



12. CIKCUMAMBULATION. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

I saw him first one snowy winter night — 

But summer's fire glowed in his youthful breast — ■ 

A humble seeker for Masonic light, 
A pilgrim longing for Masonic rest; 

From the bright Orient southward to the West 
Darkly he journeyed, while our eyes inquired 

If form and heart and garb fulfilled our test? 
From the ordeal he came, as one inspired, 
And glad amongst us stood, enlightened and attired. 

Once more I saw him — but his eyes were hid — 
Hoodwinked by death ; as with an iron hand, 

His limbs were fettered; 'neath the coffin lid 
The strong man lay extended, and his hand, 

Whose grip had thrilled me, ah ! how dead it spanned 
His pulseless breast: Yet round our Brother's head 

Thrice we encircled, but with grief unmanned, 
And with respectful tenderness we spread 
Upon his breast, green twigs, fit presents for the dead. 

For he had journeyed further, learned a lore 
Profounder, drank in purer light than we; 

And of desired treasure gathered more 
Than dwells in all the mines of Masonry. 

* Proverbs ix : 1-9. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 29 

What unto us is veiled in mystery 

Was real to him, and by his Master's side, 

Knowing as he was known, the dead was free! 
Therefore we paid our homage to the dead, 
And " We shall meet again, our Brother dear," we said. 

And we shall meet again, not as in quest 

Of light Masonic, nor as in that time 
When last I saw thee pallid in thy rest ; 

But in a Lodge transcendently sublime! 
Death there shall ring no funeral chime — 

No weeping band encompassing its dead — 
But light and life inspire an endless hymn. 

Ah, happy we whose very gi^aves may shed 

Effulgent hope and joy as round their brinks we tread! 



13. THE DESERTED LODGE. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

These walls are tottering to decay ; 

There's dampness on the stair; 
But well I mind me of the day 

When two score men met here; 
When two score Brothers met at night, 

The full round moon above, 
To weave the mystic chain of light, 

With holy links of love. 

But now the lightest of the train, 

In deep, deep grave is bowed; 
The chain is broke, the holy chain — 

The Master's with his God ! 
The wailing notes were heard one day, 

Where cheerful songs were best, 
And two score Brothers bore away 

The Master to his rest. 



The South — that cheerful voice is still, 

That spoke the joys of noon ; 
The West— that told the Master's will, 

Has set, as sets the sun. 
The sun may rise, may stand, may fall, 

But these will stand no more, 
No more the faithful Craft to call, 

Or scan their labors o'er. 



30 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

I'll weep the passing of the train 

The Saviour wept his love; 
I'll weep, no power shall restrain 

The tears that memories move. 
Where two score Brothers met at night, 

There's solitude and gloom ; 
Let grief its sacred train invite 

To this old haunted room. 

14. NUNC DIMITTIS. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

"Now dismiss me, while I linger, 

For one fond, one dear word more, 
Have I done my labor fairly ? 

Is there aught against my score ? 
Is there one in all your circle, 

Wronged by deed, or word, or blow? 
Silence speaks my full acquittance — 

Nunc dimittis, let me go. 

" Let me go, I crave my wages ; — 

Long I've waited, long I've toiled ; 
Never once through work days idle — 

Never once my apron soiled — 
In the chamber — where the Master 

Waits with smiling to bestow 
Corn, and wine, 

Nunc dimittis, let me go. 

" Let me go, but you must tarry, 

Till the Sixth day's close has come, 
Heat and burden patient bear ye 

While you're absent from your home ; 
But a little, and the summons 

Waits alike for each of you; — 
Mine is sounding, spirits wait me, 

Nunc dimittis, let me go. 

" Oh, the Sabbath-day in Heaven 1 

Oh, the joys reserved for them, 
Faithful Builders of the Temple, 

Type of blest Jerusalem ! 
Oh, the raptures of our meeting 

With the friends 'twas bliss to know ! 
Strive no longer to detain me — 

Nunc dimittis, let me go." 

* * * * * 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 31 

Hushed that voice its fond imploring : 

Faded is that eager eye ; 
Gone the soul of labor wearied, 

To repose eternally ; — 
But the memory of his service 

Oft shall lighten up our woe, 
Till the hour we too petition, 

" Nunc dimittis, let me go ! " 



15. THE BROKEN COLUMN. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

r Tis done — the dark decree is said, 

That called our friend away ; 
Submissive bow the sorrowing head, 

And bend the lowly knee; 
We will not ask why God has broke 

Our Pillar from its stone, 
But humbly yield us to the stroke, 

And say " His will be done." 

At last the weary head has sought 

In earth its long repose ; 
And weeping freres have hither brought 

Their chieftain to his close. 
"We held his hand, we filled his heart, 

While heart and hand could move, 
Nor will we from his grave depart 

But with the rites of love. 

This grave shall be a garner, where 

We'll heap our golden corn; 
And here, in heart, we'll oft repair, 

To think of him that's gone; 
To speak of all he did and said, 

That's wise, and good, and pure, 
And covenant o'er the hopeful dead, 

In vows that will endure. 

Oh Brother, bright and loving frere, 

Oh spirit free and pure, 
Breathe us one gush of spirit air, 

From off the Heavenly shore, 
And say, when these hard toils are done. 

And the Grand Master calls, 
Is there for every weary one 

Place in the Heavenly halls! 






32 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 



1©. WHEKE TYPES AKE ALL FULFILLED. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Where types are all fulfilled — 

Where mystic shades are real — 
Where aching hands and hearts are stilled, 

And death has set his seal — 
In that bright land called Heaven, 

Dear friend, we'll meet once more; 
The token in thy parting given, 

Points to a Heavenly 



'Tis this, our signs have taught, 

Our symbols old and true ; — 
'Tis this upon our work is wrought, 

Which every frere can view ; 
From the first line we traced, 

On the foundation walls, 
To that bright stone, the last, the best, 

The glory of our halls. 



Oh, what a land of joy, 

Hast thou beheld, my Friend ! 
Oh, what ineffable employ 

Thy faithful heart has gained ! 
Thy Brother, weary, worn, 

Longs for the same bright dome, 
Where all the week's hard service done, 

He'll have thy welcome home. 



17. LOOKING- TO THE EAST. 

BY ROB MORRTS. 

Yes, in yon world of perfect light, 
The wearied soul at last may rest, 

No higher, further, wings its flight, 
Brought to the glories of the .East. 



There is the long-sought home divine, 
Ah, worthy of the painful quest ! 

When evening shades of life decline, 
The day is dawning in the East. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 33 

"Who feels this truth in fervent heart 

May know his last hours are his best: 
How joyful from the West to part 

When calls the Master from the East. 

Hands, hearts and hands in union dear, — 

Jesus has sanctified the test: 
Life's chain is only broken here 

To join forever in the East. 

Mourners, your tears with gladness blend ! 

Joy, Brothers, joy, our faith's confessed! 
The grave will yield our parted friend, 

When we with him approach the East. 

18. DIVIDING THE TESSERA. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — u Sul margine oVun Rio." 

Parting on the sounding shore 

Brothers twain are sighing : 
Mingle -with the ocean's roar, 

Words of love undying; 
A ring of gold is severed then 

And each to each the giver, 
His faith renews in mystic sign 

And binds his heart forever. 



"While o'er earth we wander; 
11 One to thee and one to me, 

" Rudely torn asunder ; 
" But though divided we are one — 

" This scar, the bond expresses, 
"When all our painful wandering's done, 

" Will close and leave no traces ! 



[£ Warmly in thy bosom hide, 

"The golden voice, Hove thee! 
" Keep it there whate'er betide, 

" To guard thee and to prove thee ! 
" And should the token e'er be lost, 

" Or chilled, what now is riven, 
" I'll know that death has sent the frost 

" And look for thee in heaven! " 



r 



34 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Parted on the sounding shore, 

Each the token keeping, 
Met those Brothers never more — 

In death they're widely sleeping. 
But yet love's victory was won, — 

The scar that bond expresses. 
Their long and painful wandering done, 

Has closed and left no traces ! 



19. ASK ! SEEK ! ! KNOCK ! ! ! 

BT ROB MORRIS. 

Ask and ye shall receive ; 

Seek, ye shall surely find ; 
Knock, ye shall no resistance meet 

If come with ready mind, 
For all that ask, and ask aright, 
Are welcome to our Lodge to-night. 



Lay down the bow and spear: 
Resign the sword and shield : 

Forget the arts of warfare here, 
The arms of peace to wield, 

For all that seek, and seek aright, 

Are welcome to our Lodge to-night. 



Bring hither thoughts of peace; 

Bring hither words of love : 
Diffuse the pure and holy joy, 

That cometh from above, 
For all that knock, and knock aright, 
Are welcome to our Lodge to-night. 



Ask help of Him that's high : 
Seek grace of Him that's true : 

Knock patiently, the hand is nigh, 
Will open unto you, 

For all that Ask, Seek, Knock aright^ 

Are welcome to our Lodge to-night. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 35 

20. THE ALL-SEEING EYE. 

BY B. B. FRENCH. 

Air — Mary's Dream. 

A signal from the outer gate 

Has passed within the hall, 
The Master, from his orient throne, 

Surveys the brethren all ; 
Each, duly clad, is in his place, 

Where Truth stands ever by — 
Falsehood would quail beneath the frown 

Of God's All-seeing eye ! 



The Tyler stands, with naked blade, 

To guard the sacred door — 
None but true men should ever tread 

The tesselated floor. 
There the great lesson — how to live — 

The greater — how to die — 
Is taught beneath that symbol grand, 

The All-beholding eye ! 



But joy, and love, and sympathy 

Burn bright in every soul, 
'Tis human bliss to worship God 

And seek heaven's happy goal; 
This bliss within the Lodge is found, 

Beneath its "azure sky," 
Whence, ever watchful, from above 

Looks God's All-seeing eye! 



The gavel falls — the Lodge is closed, 

Each wends his several way, 
But the great lesson he has learned 

Within his heart shall stay. 
And, as he walks his worldly walk, 

Whatever work he ply, 
He ne'er forgets that o'er him still 

Is God's All-seeing eyel 



36 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

31. THE ANTITHESIS. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

How sad to the Grave are our feet slowly tending, 

The cold form of one whom we loved, on the bier! 
What sighs swell our hearts while above him we're bending 

And shudder to think we must part with him here ! 
Ah, gloomy is life when our friend has departed ! 

Ah, weary the pathway to travel alone ! 
There's little remaineth to cheer the lone-hearted 

Oppressed with the burden, " the loved one is gone ! " 

But glad from the Grave are our feet homeward tending, 

Though death's cold embraces our brother restrain! 
Hope springs from the hillock above which we're bending, 

And whispers "Rejoice! you shall meet him again! 
Death's midnight is sad, but there cometh the morning, 

The pathway is weary — its ending is nigh." 
Then patient we wait till the glorious dawning, 

That's told in our emblems of life in the sky ! 

33. THE QUARRY. 

BT ROB MORRIS. 

Darkly hid beneath the quarry, 

Masons, many a true block lies 

Hands must shape, and hands must carry, 

Ere the stone the Master prize. 

Seek for it — measure it — 

Fashion it — polish it — 

Then the Master will it prize. 

What though shapeless, rough and heavy, 

Think ye God his works will lose ? 
Raise the block with strength he gave ye, 
Fit it for the Master's use! 
Seek for it — measure it — 
Fashion it —polish it — 
Then the Master will it use. 

'Twas for this our Fathers banded — 

Through life's quarries they did roam, 
Faithful hearted, skillful handed, 
Bearing many a true block home. 
Noticing — measuring — 
Fashioning — polishing — 
For their glorious Temple home. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 37 

23. THE EVERGREEN ON THE BREAST. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

[Morgan Lewis, Grand Master of New York, expressed a desire, in 
the last moments of his life, that a sprig of evergreen should be placed 
upon his breast, when his body was prepared for interment, and laid in 
his coffin with him. His wish was gratified.] 
The veteran sinks to rest ; — 
" Lay it upon my breast, 
And let it crumble with my heart to dust — 
Its leaves a lesson tell; — 
Their verdure teacheth well 
The everlasting greenness of my trust. 

" Through three-score years and ten, 

With failing, dying men, 
I've wept the uncertainties of life and time I 

The symbols loved of yore, 

Have changed, have lost their power, 
All save this emblem of a Faith sublime. 

"Things are not as they were; — 

The Level and the Square, 
Those time-worn implements of love in truth, 

The Incense flowing o'er, 

The Lamb-skin chastely pure, 
Bear not the interpretation as in youth. 

"Their moral lore they lose; 

They mind me but of those, 
Now in death's chambers who their teachings knew. 

I see them — they but breathe 

The charnel airs of death, — 
I can not bear their saddening forms to view. 

" But this, symbol bright ! 

Surviving age's blight, 
This speaks in honey-tones, unchanged, unchanged! 

In it I read my youth, 

In it my manhood's truth, 
In it bright forms of glory long estranged. 

" Green leaves of summer skies, 

Blest type of Paradise ! 
Tokens that there's a world I soon shall see, 

Of these take good supply; 

And Brothers when I die, 
Lay them upon my breast to die with me ! " 



38 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

'Twas done. They're crumbled now, 

He lies in ashes too ; 
Yet was that confidence inspired in vain ? 

Ah no, his noble heart, 

When death's dark shades depart, 
With them in glory shall spring forth again ? 



£4. OLD-TIME FREEMASONS. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Music — "The fine old English Gentleman" 

Ho! Brothers of the Mystic Tie, 

Come round me if you please ; 
Lay down the gavel and the square, 

And let the trowel cease; 
The work may stop a little while, 

The Master will not blame, 
While I from memory sing of one 

Right worthy of the name, — 
A true old-time Freemason 
Of the days of Washington. 



Of every superfluity 

His mind he did divest; 
He would not set a timber up 

Unless it was the best: 
He plumbed, and squared, and leveled well 

The blocks, and set them true, 
Then turned his apron master-wise 

And spread the mortar due ! 
This true old-time Freemason 
Of the days of Washington. 



When bloody war at foreign hands, 

His country threatened sore, 
He thought it right to take the sword, 

And guard his native shore ; 
He stood where bravest hearts are found — 

He struck for liberty. 
But when the conquered foemen sued, 

A man of mercy he ! 

This true old-time Freemason 
Of the days of Washington. 



uDES FOR, MASONIC OCCASIONS. 39 

Upon his girdle was no stain 

His work had no defect, 
The overseer accepted all, 

And nothing to reject. 
He lived in peace with God and man, 

He died in glorious hope, 
That Christ, the Lion, Judah's pride, 

Shall raise his body up ! 

This true old-time Freemason 
Of the days of Washington. 

25. A THOUGHT OF DEATH. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

By the pallid hue of those, 
"Whose sweet blushes mocked the rose; 
By the fixed, unmeaning eye, 
Sparkled once so cheerfully; 

By the cold damps on the brow, 
By the tongue, discordant now ; 
By the grasp, and laboring breath, 
What ! oh tell us, what is death ? 

By the vacancy of heart, 
Where the lost one had a part; 
By the yearning to retrieve, 
Treasures hidden in the grave; 

By the future, hopeless all, 
Wrapped as in a funeral pall ; 
By the links that rust beneath, 
AVhat ! oh tell us, what is death ? 

By the echoes swelled around, 
Sigh, and moan, and sorrow-sound 
By the grave, that opened nigh, 
Cruel, yields us no reply ; 

By the silent king, whose dart, 
Seeks and finds each mortal heart; 
We may know, no human breath, 
Can inform us what is death? 

But, the grave has spoken loud ! 
Once was raised the pallid shroud: — 
When the stone was rolled away, 
When the earth in frenzy's play — 



40 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Shook her pillars to awake 
Him who suffered for our sake ; 
When the vail's deep fissure showed 
Choicest mysteries of God i 



Tell us, then, thou grave of hope, 
What is He that fills thee up ? 
" Mortal, from my chambers dim, 
Christ arose — inquire of him 1 " 

Hither, to the faintest cry, 
Notes celestial, make reply : 
"Christian, unto thee 'tis given, 
Death's a passage into heaven." 



SO. LAMENT OF THE AGED (DRAFTSMAN. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

The attachment of old age to the objects of the past,, is no where 
seen more clearly than in the experience of aged Masons. In a recent 
visit to one who had numbered his four score years and seven, the wri- 
ter was touched with the decided manner in which the old man upheld 
the Freemasonry of the last century, in contrast with the present. 
With many anecdotes that went to show the Masonic spirit of our 
fathers, the venerable Brother declared, "There's nothing in modern 
Masonry to compare with that!" Retiring for the night, we noted 
down his sentiment, and have ventured to throw it, though imperfectly, 
into verse. 

There's tenfold Lodges in the land 

Than when my days were few; 
But none can number such a band, 

The wise, the bright, the true, 
As stood around me on that night, 
When first I saw the Mystic Light, 
Full fifty years ago. 

There's Brother Love and Brother Aid, 

Where'er the Craft is known ; 
But none like that whose twinings made 

The mighty chain that's gone — 
Ah, none like that which bound my soul, 
When first my eyes beheld the goal 
Full fifty years ago. 






ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 41 

There's emblems green to deck the bed 

Of Masons whore they rest; 
But i one like those we used to spread 

Upon the Mason's breast, 
When yielding up to death, they fell, 
Who'd battled with the monster well, 
Full fifty years ago. 



Oh, how my heart is kindled now, 
When round me meet again 

The shadows of the noble few, 
Who formed the mystic train, 

In which my feet were proud to tread, 

When through admiring crowds we sp 
Full fifty years ago. 



They're fled, that noble train, — they're gone, 

Their last, procession's o'er, — 
And I am left to brood alone, 

Ere I too leave the shore; 
But while I have a grateful tear, 
I'll praise the bright ones that were here, 
Full fifty years age. 



27. THE CEDAR TEEE. 

BY ROB MORRTS. 

(In the lawn that graces Bro. F 's residence, stands a Cedar 

Tree planted in 1836, "for Masonic purposes." Still the withered 
hand that placed it there ( " to furnish sprigs of evergreen for my 
burial, Bro. Morris!") is strong enough to do the master's Work at 
each Lodge meeting ; and still at an age passing the Psalmist's compu- 
tation, the proprietor waits patiently for the day when its limbs shall 
be bared of their foliage to bestrew his coffin. ) 

Droops thy bough. Cedar Tree, 

Like yon dear, yon aged form, 
Droops thy bough in sympathy, 

For the wreck of life's sad storm I 
Sad, indeed, his weary age — 

Lonely now his princely home — 
And the thoughts his soul engage, 

Are of winter and the tomb. 



42 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

'Twas for this, Cedar Tree, 

Verdant midst the wintry strife — 
'Twas for this he planted thee, 

Type of an immortal life ; 
That when round his grave in tears, 

Brothers in their Art combine, 
From the store thy foliage bears, 

Each may cast a portion in. 

Lo ! he comes, Cedar Tree, 

Slowly o'er the frosted plain; 
Pauses here the signs to see, 

Graven with a mystic pen ; 
How does each some hope express ! 

Lighter gleams the wintry sky, 
Lighter on his furrowed face 

Smiling at the mysteries. 

Soon to rest, Cedar Tree, 

Soon the veteran shall be borne ; 
There to sleep, and patiently 

Wait the resurrection morn. 
Thou shalt perish from the earth, 

He in sacred youth revive, 
Glorious in a better birth — 

Truths like these the emblems give. 

28. OH, THAT IN THIS WORLD OF WEEPING. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — " Go forget we." 
Oh, that in this world of weeping, 

Widow's tears and orphan's cry, 
Man his term of trial keeping, 

Would but melt in sympathy ! 
Oh ! that we, each Sister, Brother, 

Traveling on the self-same road, 
In our love for one another, 

Would but love the love of God! 

For that love would surely teach us, 

Ne'er to crush a burdened heart ; 
By the tender thoughts that reach us, 

When we see a tear-drop start : 
And the lonely, poor and saddened, 

In his almost cheerless grief, 
By our liberal bounty gladdened, 

Would acknowledge the relief. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 43 

Here, then, met in social pleasure — 

Here before the word divine. 
While our life contain the treasure, 

Let us in this covenant join : 
Tears to dry, to comfort sighing, 

Gentle words and smiles to strow, 
By the sick, and by the dying, 



Then though we must part like others, 

And the dead be joined among, 
In the hearts of Sisters, Brothers, 

We shall be remembered long, 
Those who speak of us shall name us, 

As the dead to memory dear ; 
And the page of friendship claim us, 

Worthy of a grateful tear. 

30. MORN, NOON, EVENING. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — " Go forget me." 

Morn, the morn, sweet morn is springing, 

In the East his sign appears — 
Dews and songs, and fragrance flinging 

On the new robe nature wears; 
Forth from slumber, forth and meet him 

Who too dead to love and light ? 
Forth, and as you stand to greet him 

Praise to Him who giveth night. 

Noon, the noon, high noon is glowing — 

In the South rich glories burn ; 
Beams intense from Heaven are flowing, 

Mortal eye must droop and turn ; 
Forth and meet him ! while the chorus, 

Of the groves is nowhere heard, 
Kneel to him who bendeth o'er us, 

Praise with heart and willing word. 

Eve, the eve, still eve is weeping — 

In the West she dies away ; 
Every winged one is sleeping, 

They've no life but open day ; 
Forth and meet her ! lo she lends us 

Thrice ten thousand brilliants high ; 
Glory to his name who sends us 

Such bright jewels from the sky. 



44 ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

Death, pale death to all is certain — 

From the grave his voice comes up; 
"Fearless pass my gloomy curtain 

Find within eternal hopes." 
Forth and meet him, ye whose duty 

To the Lord of Lite is given — 
He will clothe death's garb with beauty, 

He will give a path to Heaveu. 



SO. A PLACE IN THE LODGE. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

Air — "A Life on the Ocean Wave." 

A Place in the Lodge for me; 

A home with the free and the bright; 
Where jarring cords agree, 

And the darkest soul is light: 
Not here, not here is bliss; 

There's turmoil and there's gloom; 
My heart it yearns for peace — 

Say, Brothers, say, is there room ? 
A place in the Lodge for me, etc. 



My feet are weary worn, 

And my eyes are dim with tears; 
This world is all forlorn, 

A wilderness of fears; 
But there's one green spot below, 

There's a resting-place, a home, 
My heart it yearns to know, 

Sa} r , Brothers, say, is there room? 
A place in the Lodge for me, etc. 



I hear the orphan's cry, 

And I see the widow's tear; 
I weep when mortals die, 

And none but God is near; 
From sorrow and despair, 

I seek the Masons' home, — 
My heart it yearns to share — 

Say, Brothers, say, is there room ? 
A place in the Lodge for me, etc. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 45 

With God's own eye above, 

With Brother-hands below, 
With friendship and with love, 

My pilgrimage I'll go; 
And when in Death's embrace, 

My summons it shall come, 
Within your heart's best place, 

Brothers, oh give me room. 

A place in the Lodge for me, 

A home with the free and bright, 
Where jarring cords agree, 

And the darkest soul is light. 



31. THE CORNER STONE. 

BY HOB MORRIS. 

Round the spot — Moriah's hill — • 
Masons met with cheerful will; 
Him who stood as King that day, 
We as cheerfully obey. 
Clio. — Lord, we love thy glorious nam^, 
Gi\re the grace thou gavest him. 



Round the spot thus chosen well, 
Brothers, with fraternal hail, 
Gather in your mystic ring, 
Mystic words, and joyful sing. 
Cno. — Lord, our hearts, our souls are thine, 
On our labors dei^n to shine. 



Round the spot may Plenly reign, — 
Peace, with spirit all benign; 
Unity, the golden three — 
Here their influence ever be. 
Cho. — Lord, these jewels of Thy store, 
Lend them bounteous, flowing o er. 



Round the spot where now we stand, 
Soon will stand another band; 
We to other worlds must go, 
Calld by Him we trust below. 
Cho. — Lord, thy spirit grant, that they 
All thy counsel may obey. 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 

32. THE LOVING TIE. 

BY ROB MORRIS. 

The Loving Tie we feel, 

No language can reveal, 
'Tis seen in the sheen of a fond Brother's eye ; 

It trembles on the ear 

When melting with a tear, 
A Brother bids us cease to sigh. 

Behold how good and how pleasant 
For Brothers in unity to dwell ! 

As heaven's dews are shed 

On Zion's sacred head — 
The blessings of the Lord we feel. 

'Twas at a sufferer's bed 

Now moldering with the dead, 
This Bond, ah, so fond, was discovered first to me ! 

I saw his dying eye 

Light up with speechless joy, 
And I felt how fond that love can be. 

I ever will proclaim 

With gratitude the name 
Of Him, the Divine, who has granted this to me, 

That weary tho' I stray 

O'er nature's rugged way, 
I never, never, alone can be. 

There's some I know will smile 

And others may revile ; 
7 Tis so as we know with the evil heart alway — 

But if I can but prove 

Through life a Ifasoris love, 
I little care what man may say. 

Behold how good and how pleasant 
For Brothers' in unity to dwell ! 

As heaven's dews are shed 

On Zion's sacred head — 
The blessings of the Lord we feel! 



ODES FOR MASONIC OCCASIONS. 47 

33. QUAKKY, HILL AND TEMPLE. 

BY ROB MOBRTS. 

Thine in the Quarry, whence the stone 
For mystic workmanship is drawn : 

On Jordan's shore, 

By Zarthan's plain, 
Tho' faint and weary, thine alone. 
The gloomy mine knows not a ray — 
The heavy toil exhausts the day — 

But love keeps bright 

The weary heart, 
And sings, Tm thine without decay. 

Thine on the Hill whose cedars rear 
Their perfect forms and foliage fair : 

Each graceful shaft 

And deathless leaf, 
Of Masons' love the symbols are. 
Thine when a smile pervades the heaven — 
Thine when the sky's with thunder riven — 

Each echo swells 

Through answering hills, 
My Mason prayer/or thee His given. 

Thine in the Temple, holy place — 
Where silence reigns the type of peace ; 

With grip and sign, 

And mystic line, 
My Mason's love I do confess. 
Each block I raise, my friendship grows ; 
Cemented firmly ne'er to loose, 

And when complete, 

My work I greet, 
Thine in the joy my bosom knows. 

Thine at the midnight in the cave-r- 
Thine on the floats upon the wave — 

By Joppa's hill, 

By Kedron's rill, 
And thine when Sabbath rest we have. 
Yes, yes, dear friend, my spirit saith — 
I'm thine until and after death. 

No bounds control 

The Mason's soul 
Cemented with a Mason's faith. 




'BECOMMENMTIONS 



OF 



[First and Second Edition.] 

Richmond, Va., March 15, 1851. 
The Master's Floor Carpet, commends itself to the industrious 
and intelligent Master of a Masonic Lodge, as a useful means of con- 
veying knowledge in the beautiful teachings of Masonry, because it 
enables the Instructor to present to the eye and understanding of the 
Young Mason, the meaning, use, and application of the various emblems, 
and, consequently, the duties required by our beloved Institution from 
all who enter the sacred portals. 

Instructions from a book are objectionable — they should be discon- 
tinued — and we earnestly recommend The Floor Carpet to every Lodge 
in this jurisdiction, as the better plan, and, to our knowledge, the only 
commendable mode of imparting Masonic instruction. 

Very Respectfully and Fraternally Yours, 

JAMES EVANS, G. M. 
of the M. Wor. G. L. of Virginia. 

I cheerfully concur with the Grand Master. 

JOHN DOVE, G. Secretary. 



[First and Second Edition."] 

Wilmington, N. C, February 11, 1851. 
Having examined The Master's Carpet, purchased by St. John's 
Lodge, No. 1, I take great pleasure in recommending it to the Lodges 
generally, and to those of our own State particularly. The emblems are 
well arranged, and the artistical skill displayed in their execution gives 
a very pleasing effect to the general appearance of the work. Beside, 
being very ornamental, it is the most useful and important piece of fur- 
niture that a Lodge can possess. 

Respectfully and Truly Yours, 

A. MARTIN, P. G. H. P. 






2 SHERERS MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 

I fully concur in the opinion expressed by Bro. A. Martin in regard 
to the Master's Carpet. 

A. T. JENKINS, G. M. 

I fully concur in the aboye. 

ROBT. G. RANKIN, 

Gr. Sect'y of Grand C. of N. Ca., \ 
and H. P. of Concord Chapter, No. 1, Wilmington, N. C. J 



[First and Second Edition.'] 

Port Byron, N. Y., July 10, 1851. 
I have examined the Master's Carpet, and do not hesitate to pronounce 
it the most perfect and complete representation of the symbols and em- 
blems belonging to the three first degrees of Masonry that I have ever 
seen. As an aid to the officers of a Lodge in conferring the degrees, 
and as a visible reflex of the various implements, which are indispensa- 
bly important to be shown and explained to the candidate, in his pro- 
gress through the degrees, it is of incalculable advantage. 

I readily recognize, and cheerfully attest, to the authenticity of the 
testimonials you bear from Grand Master Evans and Grand Secretary 
Dove, of Virginia, and Grand Master Jerkins and Grand Secretary Ran- 
kin, of North Carolina, respecting the value of your Carpet ; and it 
affords me great pleasure to commend you to the favorable notice of 
Lodges and members of the Fraternity in the State of New York. 
I am Sir, very Truly and Fraternally, Yours, 

FIN LEY M. KING, 
Ed. " Masonic UnionP 



Burltngton, Vt., Aug. 6, A. L. 5851. 
The bearer of this has exhibited a Master Mason's Carpet, which I 
consider well arranged and finely executed ; and with pleasure we re- 
commend it to those Lodges who may wish to purchase so useful and 
indispensable an article appertaining to a Master's Lodge. 

NATHAN B. HASWELL, P. G. M., 
and Master of Washington Lodge. 



Camden, N. J., Oct. 17, A. D. 1851. 
I have had the pleasure of examining The Master's Carpet, which 
I regard as a very valuable aid to Lodges in their work, and most 
cheerfully commend it to their use. I am well satisfied that no Lodge 
can procure and use one of them without being amply repaid for the 
cost. I should be pleased to see one in every Lodge in this jurisdiction. 

THOMAS W. MULFORD, D. G. M. 



sherer's masonic publications. 3 

Recommendation from Salem Town, G. C. of the G. Lodge of the State of 

New York. 
To the Brethren of the Masonic Fraternity: 

Having seen, and, to some extent, examined, The Master's Carpet, 
of the first three Masonic degrees, I most cheerfully express my appro- 
bation of its arrangement and adaptation to the end proposed, and also 
cordially recommend its introduction and use in Master Masons' Lodges, 
as a valuable auxiliary for elucidating the work of those degrees. 

SALEM TOWN, G. C. 
of the G. Lodge of the State of New York. 
Aurora, July 8, 1851. 

I fully concur in the above. 

W. R. LACKEY, 
Grand King of the Grand Chapter of the State of Mississippi. 



Hartford, Ct., Sept, 27, 1851. 
The Master's Carpet, by Brother John Sherer, of Cincinnati, 0., 
we consider to be finely executed, and well arranged for explanation of 
the three first degrees. With pleasure we recommend it to those Lodges 
that need a valuable and useful Carpet. 

HORACE GOODWIN, P. G. M. 



Harrisburg, Pa., Nov. 29, 1850. 
The Master's Carpet is not only highly ornamental, but will be 
truly useful wherever lectures are given upon the emblems and symbols 
of our Order. Its utility is great in presenting the whole at a glance, 
and in so bold and prominent a manner as to be easily seen and distin- 
guished by every member at a reasonable distance. I hope it will adorn 
many of our Lodge-rooms, and lead to a better understanding of the 
symbolical teachings of Masonry. 

Fraternally, Yours, 

BEN J. PARKE, 
Bis. Bep. G. M. for the Central District of Penn., and") 
High Priest of Perseverance Chapter, No. 21. J 



[Fourth Edition.'] 
We feel that we are but expressing the united sentiments cf all who 
have examined your handsome Carpets, when we say they are incom- 
parably better, both in arrangement and completeness, than any thing 
heretofore published. With your Master's Carpet suspended upon the 
wall, dull and ignorant indeed must be the Lodge officer who would fail 
to make an interesting lecture. The emblems speak their own tale, 
trumpet-tongued, to an informed Mason, while the natural chain of con- 
nection, so well drawn in your work, leads the mind easily and infalli- 
bly from the first step to the last, from the quarry to the temple, from 
the thickest night to the clearest day. 



4 SHERER S MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 

We cheerfully join in advising every Lodge to possess itself of a copy 
as soon as possible. 

THOMAS WARE, G. M. of the G. L. of Kentucky. 

MARCUS. M. TYLER, D. G. M. 

HENRY WINGATE, P. G. M. 

J NO. D. McCLURE, P. G. M. 

PHILIP SWIGERT, Grand Sec. 

CHAS. G. WINTERSMITH, P. G. M. 

J. M. S. McCORKLE, P. G. M. 

D. T. MONSARRAT, S. G. W. 

JOSEPH GRUB, P. G. M. of Ark. 
Lexington, Kg., Aug. 29, 1853. 

We cheerfully concur in the above. 

C. MOORE, Ed. M. Review. 

DR. J. L. VATTIER, D. P. G. M. 
Cincinnati, 0., Sept. 5, 1853. 



[Fourth Edition.'] 



We have carefully examined the Master's Carpet, and have no hesi- 
tation in pronouncing it the most perfect representation of the emblems 
of the symbolic degrees that we have ever seen. 

The presiding officer, with this Carpet before him, who can not forci- 
bly inculcate the several Masonic Lectures, must be wholly unacquainted 
with the Masonic Ritual; the emblems naturally lead the mind on, step 
by step, and in such a forcible manner, that it is impossible to err, or 
vary from the true principles of Masonry. 

Every Lodge, in our opinion, should be furnished with one of these 
Carpets, not only for the use of the officers, but also for the benefit of 
candidates and young Masons, as we believe this to be the most effec- 
tual and true mode of imparting Masonic Light. 

WM. M. TAYLOR, G. M. of the G. L. of Texas. 

JAMES M. HALL, G. S. of the G. C. and P. D. D. G. M. 

E. B. NICHOLS, Grand Treasurer. 

JOHN SAYERS, Past Grand Master of the G. Lodge. 

W. D. SMITH, P. G. Lecturer and P. D. D. G. Master. 

W. B. OCHELTREE, P. G. M. of the G. L. of Texas. 

A. S. RUTHVEN, Grand Secretary. 

HENRY SAMPSON, D. D. G. Master. 

SAM'L M. WILLIAMS, P. G. Master. 

I fully concur in the foregoing certificates. 

A. NEILL, P. G. Master of the G. L. of Texas. 
Seguin, Mag 4, A. D. 1854. 



sherer's masonic publications. 5 

The Master's Carpet, published by John Sherer, of Cincinnati, 
Ohio, is not only highly ornamental, but, in our opinion, will be useful 
wherever lectures are given upon the emblems and symbols of our Order. 
Its utility is great in presenting the whole at a single glance, and in so 
conspicuous a manner as to be seen by every member at a reasonable 
distance; and were our Lodge rooms all furnished with this Carpet, it 
would lead to a better understanding of Symbolic Masonry. 

W. B. WARREN, G. M. of the G. L. of 111. 

JAMES L. ANDERSON, Deputy G. M. of the G. L. of 111. 

S. J. PICKETT, P. G. M. 

E. B. AMES, P. G. M. 

W. C. HOPP, P. G. M. 

N. D. MORSE, P. G. M. 

LEVI LUSK, P. G. M. 
Springfield, III., Oct. 5, 1853. 



[Fourth Edition.'] 

Resolved, That the Grand Lodge of the State of Georgia recommend 
to the Subordinate Lodges under her jurisdiction, that, as soon as prac- 
ticable, they supply themselves, respectively, with the finely executed 
Master's Carpet, published by John Sherer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for 
the use of Lodges throughout the United States — it being an article of 
great beauty and utility, and commending itself to the favorable consid- 
eration of the Craft generally. 

Macon, Georgia, 1852. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be presented to Bro. 
John Sherer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for one of his new and beautiful 
improved Master's Carpets presented to this Grand Lodge, and that 
the said Carpet be recommended to the patronage of the Subordinate 
Lodges under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. 

Presented by Bro. G. Bowlsby, of No. 17, and unanimously adopted 
by the Grand Lodge. 

Indianapolis, Ind., May 31, 1855. 

Resolved, That the thanks of this Grand Lodge be tendered to Brother 
John Sherer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for a copy of his improved Mas- 
ter's Carpet, and that it be recommended to the patronage of the Sub- 
ordinate Lodges under this jurisdiction. 

Springfield, 111., Oct. 5, 1855. 



Florida, 1854. 

Brother Stephens moved the following : 

Having examined the Masonic Chart, published by John Sherer, for 
the use of Lodges throughout the United States, exhibited by Brother 
Randall, of Georgia, we pronounce it an article of great beauty and 



6 sherer's masonic publications. 

utility, and most cordially recommend it to all the Subordinate Lodges 
within the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge, and we further recommend, 
that the Representatives of the different Lodges avail themselves of the 
present opportunity of supplying their respective Lodges with this 
essential article. [Which was adopted.] 



Whereas, We have examined the Master Mason's Carpet, published 
by Bro. John Sherer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, for the use of Lodges through- 
out the United States, and believe it to be a work of great utility ; 
Therefore, 

Resolved, That this Grand Lodge do most cordially recommend the 
Master Mason's Carpet, 4th edition, to all the Subordinate Lodges in the 
State of North Carolina. 

Raleigh, Nov. 7, 1855. 

Adopted by Grand Lodge of North Carolina. 



[Third Edition.] 
I have examined the Master's Carpet, and have no hesitation in pro- 
nouncing it the most perfect representation of the emblems of the sym- 
bolic degrees that I have ever seen. I am clearly of the opinion that it 
will be found invaluable to the Master who presides over a Subordinate 
Lodge, in assisting him to properly confer and explain the degrees to 
a young Mason as he passes through the same. 

I do most cordially recommend the use of said Carpet to the Craft 
generally, and more particularly to the brethren under the jurisdiction 
of the Grand Lodge of Texas. 

JAMES M. HALL, 
Grand Sec. of the G. C. of Texas,) 
and P. D. D. G. M. of the G. L. of Texas. $ 



Resolved, That the thanks of this General Royal Arch Chapter be pre- 
sented to Companion John Sherer, of Cincinnati, Ohio, who has pre- 
sented to this Grand Chapter a copy of his beautiful "Chapter and 
Council Carpet," and that said Cabpet is hereby recommended to the 
patronage of the several Chapters subordinate to this Grand Chapter. 

Lexington, Ky., September 29, 1852. 



By Comp. Morris — 

Resolved, That the thanks of the Grand Chapter be granted to Comp. 
John Sherer, for his very elegant present of a copy of his improved 
Royal Arch Carpet; and that the Grand Chapter repeat their approbation, 
as expressed last year, of this beautiful and complete draft of all the em- 
blems and written instructions belonging to the Chapter degrees; and 
that the Grand Secretary be directed to take charge of and preserve it. 

Lexington, Ky., September 1, 1853. 



SHERER S MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 7 

• 
New Orleans, La., 1858. 

Resolved, That the Grand Chapter accept the valuable present made 
us by Companion John Siierer, of Cincinnati, of a copy of his improved 
Master's, Chapter, and Council Carpet, and that the Grand Secretary place 
it in the Library of the Grand Chapter. 

Resolved, That the improved Carpet of Companion Sherer is worthy 
of the most extensive patronage of the Companions of this jurisdiction, 
being equally adapted for the parlors of the refined, and the walls of the 
Chapter room: that its elegance of design, correctness of symbolism, and 
very moderate price leave nothing wanting which such a work can sup- 
ply, and that the Grand Chapter recommend it to the general favor as a 
correct and reliable production. 



Jackson, Feb. 3d, A. L. 5858, A. D. 1858. 

Sherer' s Symbolic Charts. — At the Fortieth Grand Annual Communi- 
cation of the M. W. Grand Lodge of Mississippi, which convened at the 
city of Jackson, on Monday, the 18th day of January, A. L. 5858, A. 
D. 1858, the Committee of the Grand Lodge, to whom was referred the 
symbolic plates, presented by Brother John Sherer, of Cincinnati, pre- 
sented the following report: 

That the plates contain a full and beautiful representation of all the 
emblems pertaining to the degrees of Symbolic Masonry, appropriately 
arranged in separate plates for each degree; and they consider them a 
useful appendage to the fixtures of a Lodge-room, and take pleasure in 
recommending them as a correct, useful, and convenient aid to the offi- 
cers of Lodges in conferring the degrees. 

Respectfully submitted, 

GEO. H. GRAY, Sen. 

W. A. CHAPLIN, ^ Committee. 

W. R. LACKEY, 



Past Grand Master Wingate, from the Committee to whom was re- 
ferred so much of the Grand Master's address as relates to Brother 
Sherer's plates, made the following report, which was concurred in, and 
the resolutions accompanying it adopted, viz : 

The Committee to whom was referred so much of the Grand Master's 
address as relates to the plates presented by Bro. John Sherer, of Cin- 
cinnati, have attended to that duty, and beg leave to report: 

This Grand Lodge having previously and on repeated occasions pub- 
lished their approbation of Bro. Sherer's Masonic Carpets, it is only 
necessary here to say, that the present enterprise is even more worthy 
of your approbation than the former. The elegance of these plates is 
the least of their merits, yet nothing has ever been offered to the Fra- 
ternity, within our knowledge, to compare with them in elegance. 



8 sherer's masonic publications. 

Their prime merit is the perfection of the symbols, and the perfect pro- 
priety of their arrangement. In these Bro. Sherer has been particularly 
happy. 

Your Committee submit the following resolutions, viz : 
Resolved, That the thanks of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky are pre- 
sented to Bro. John Sherer for his present of a full set of his symbolic 
plates — all handsomely framed. 

Resolved, That the emblems, and the manner of their arrangement, 
adopted in Sherer's plates, comports, in our judgment, with the ancient 
work of Masonry, and affords the safest, most reliable, and most con- 
venient aid to the proper conferring of the three first degrees. 

H. WINGATE. 
M. J. WILLIAMS. 
W. H. VANPELT. 



The following report, from the Special Committee on the Emblems 
presented by Bro. Sherer, was read and adopted : 

To the M. W. Grand Master, Wardens and 

Brethren of the Grand Lodge of Texas : 

Your Committee appointed to examine Sherer's Masonic Degree Book, 
have carefully examined the same, and beg leave to report that the plates 
are neatly executed, and the emblems well and correctly arranged, and 
that they will greatly facilitate the lecturer in exemplifying the work in 
the first three degrees, and cheerfully recommend them to the patronage 
of the Lodges and brethren under the jurisdiction of this Grand Lodge. 
All of which is respectfully submitted. J. A. LAWRENCE. 

J. M. ANDERSON. 



Louisville, Ky., October 19, 1858. 
The Carpets of Bro. Jno. Sherer have been the admitted Standard 
in Kentucky, ever since the first were published. And although imita- 
tions by ingenious brethren, have been brought into market from time 
to time, yet none of them have been thought equal to Bro. Sherer's. 
For my part I do not see how they could be improved. 

ROB MORRIS, 

Grand Master of Kentucky. 



An improved Chapter and Council Carpet, six feet square, fin- 
ished in the same style as the Master's Carpet, is now ready for delivery. 

All these publications, whether carpets, plates, books, or diplomas, will 
be forwarded by express or otherwise, as ordered, to any part of the 
United States or Canada. The trade supplied on usual terms. 
Address John Sherer, Cincinnati, Ohio, or Rob Morris, Louisville, Ky. 



MASONIC PUBLICATIONS 

FOR SALE BY 

ROB MOEEIS, 

AT HIS OFFICE 

472 MAIN STREET, 
IiOUISYIIXE, KLY. 



1. SHEEEE'S MASONIC CAKPETS. 

These are of two sorts. The first is a Master's Carpet, 6 by 7 feet in 
size, finished in map style, molding at top, with roller at bottom, diver- 
sified and rich in its colorings. The other presents the emblems of the 
Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council Degrees, the same size, 6 by 7 feet, and 
finished in the same manner. 

Tbese Carpets have been so long before the Masonic public, although 
from time to time greatly improved and beautified, that no further de- 
scription is needed. Official recommendations have been extended in their 
favor by the Grand Lodges and Chapters of xVrkansas, Florida, Georgia, 
Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and 
Texas, while letters of approbation have been given by many such men 
\s Finley M. King, Rob Morris, John Dove, James Evans, James M. 
Hall, Cornelius Moore, Nathan B. Haswel'l, Salem Town, Benj. Parke, 
Horace Goodwin, Philip Swigert. 



2. SHERER'S MASONIC DEGREE BOOK. 

This is a collection of emblematic plates, suitable for framing sepa- 
rately, or for binding in a volume. The size of each plate is 20 by 26 
inches. They are from the finest lithographic drawings, printed in col- 
ors on the best plate paper. The correctness of their symbolisms and 
elegance of execution are vouched for by a long array of the intelligent 
Brethren who have examined them. As a frontispiece, there is a mag- 
nificent engraving, size as above, of "Jerusalem Besieged by Titus," 
taken from Bartlett's "Walks about Jerusalem." This alone is worth 
the price of the whole volume. 

3. THE GEMS OF MASONRY, 

Emblematic and Descriptive, by John Sherer. 
2 



10 MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 

4. VIEW OF JERUSALEM AS BESIEGED 
BY TITUS. 

This is a magnificent Lithograph, printed in colors in the best style of 
Sarony, admitted to be the best living Lithographer. He has pro- 
nounced it his chef d'oeuvre, and no one will dispute the correctness of 
his judgment who has a glimpse of it. For a parlor ornament, it is 
perfection itself. For a Lodge, nothing is more appropriate. 

The View is 20 by 26 inches in dimensions, and will be sent securely 
packed in a tin case to any part of the continent for $2 00. 



5. VIEW OF SOLOMON'S TEMPLE, 

Engraved at Boston, upon two steel plates — full dimensions, 24 by 42 
inches — at a cost exceeding Two Thousand Dollars. This is the 
celebrated design of Chancellor Schott, of Hamburgh, and the most 
complete explication of the inspired account of the great Fane ever 
published. Nothing but an examination will give a full idea of the 
vast amount of instruction to be derived from this engraving; the border 
designs, of which there are eight, the subsidiary drawings below the 
main picture, of which there are four, and the Scripture and historical 
passages thickly interspersed, make it a perfect cyclopedia of the subject. 
Price, in sheets for framing, $2.00; colored and finished in map form, 
molding at top and roller at bottom, $3.00. 



6. THE FREEMASON'S MONITOR, 

By Thomas Smith Webb, with notes and running comment by Rob 
Morris. This edition of the old and standard author, whose production 
has so long maintained its place in public favor amid the com- 
petition of nearly a score of imitations, is rendered immensely more 
valuable by the learning and experience of the present Editor. Mr. 
Morris has brought all his knowledge of Masonic law and usage to bear 
in making this work an indispensable aid to Masters, Wardens, and 
Brethren throughout the great Fraternity. 



7. MASONIC DIPLOMAS 

Of the various Degrees and Orders of the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council 
and Encampment. Those of the Lodge are in three languages, viz.: 
English, German and French. Those of the Chapter have the Spanish 
in addition, and the Council Diploma is appended. Those of the En- 
campment are in English. 

These Diplomas are printed both on bank-note paper and parchment, 
and bound in tuck for pocket use. Besides the usual letter-press of a 
Diploma, they present an elegant compendium of the emblems proper 
to each. The form used is according to the best standards. 



MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 11 

8. THE VOICE OF MASONRY AND 
TIDINGS FROM THE CRAFT. 

A large folio newspaper published semi-monthly, devoted exclusively 
to Freemasonry. Price One Dollar per annum, or to Canada and Nova 
Scotia, One Dollar and Twenty-Five Cents. Edited and published by 
Rob Morris, Louisville, Ky. 



9. THE UNIVERSAL MASONIC LIBRARY. 

CONSISTING OF FIFTY-THREE STANDARD WORKS. 

These works are bound handsomely and most substantially in Leather, 
in thirty volumes Octavo, averaging 400 pages, and are afforded at the 
extremely low price of Fifty Dollars per set delivered in Louisville. 
Volume First — 

1. Dictionary of Symbolical Masonry, including the Royal 

Arch. By Oliver. 301 pages. 

2. The Book of the Lodge, or Officers' Manual. By the same. 

119 pages. 
Volume Second — 

3. Symbol of Glory. By the same. 310 pages. 

4. Spirit of Masonry. By Hutchinson. 245 pages. 
Volume Third — 

5. Illustrations of Masonry. By Preston. 405 pages. 
Volume Fourth — 

6. Antiquities of Masonry. By Oliver. • 260 pages. 

7. Masonic Discourses. By Harris. 176 pages. 
Volume Fifth— 

8. History of Freemasonry, from 1829 to 1841. 137 pages. 

9. Mirror for the Johannite Mason. By the same. 110 pages. 

10. Star in the East. By the same. 91 pages. 
Volume Sixth — 

11. Disquisitions of Masonry. By Calcott. 176 pages. 

12. Masonic Manual. By Ashe. 231 pages. 
Volume Seventh — 

13. Revelations of a Square. By Oliver. 328 pages. 

14. Introduction to Freemasonry. Anonymous. 87 pages. 
Volume Eighth — 

15. History of Initiation. By Oliver. 234 pages. 

16. History and Illustration of Freemasonry. Anon. 91 pp. 



12 MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 

Volume Ninth — 

17. Constitution Grand Lodge, England. 92 pages. 

18. " « " Ireland. 91 pages. 

19. " " " Scotland. 117 pages. 
Volume Tenth — 

20. Theocratic Philosophy of Masonry. By Oliver. 205 pages. 

21. Signs and symbols of Masonry. By the same. 184 pages. 
Volumes Eleventh and Twelfth — 

22. The Historical Landmarks of Masonry. By Oliver. Vol. 

I. — 426 pages. Vol. II. — 450 pages. 

23. Stray Leaves from a Freemason's Note Book. Anonymous. 

165 pages. 
Volume Thirteenth — 

24. Apology for the Order. Translated from the French. By 

H. W. Thorpe. 41 pages. 

25. The Masonic Schism. By Oliver. 46 pages. 

26. Insignia of the Royal Arch. By the same. 35 pages. 

27. The Secret Discipline. Anonymous. 37 pages. 
Volume Fourteenth — 

28. Lights and Shadows of Freemasonry. By Rob Morris. 390 pp. 
Volume Fifteenth — 

29. Anderson's Ancient Constitutions. 108 pages. 

30. History of Freemasonry, up to 1829. By Lawrie. 203 pp. 
Volume Sixteenth — 

31. Masonic Sermons. By Jethro Inwood. 268 pages. 

32. Three Sermons. By William J. Percy. 54 pages. 
Volume Seventeenth — 

33. Principles of Masonic Law. By A. Gr. Mackey. 371 pp. 
Volume Eighteenth — 

34. History of Masonic Persecutions. By Oliver. 233 pages. 

35. Masonic Institutes. By Oliver. 196 pages. 
Volumes Nineteenth, Twentieth, Twenty-first, and Twenty-second — 

36. History of the Knights Hospitallers, of St. John of Jeru- 

salem. By De Vertot. 4 vols., 387, 391, 360, and 395 pp. 

37. Statutes of the Knights Templar of England and Wales. 

29 pages. 
Volume Twenty-third — 

38. Use and Abuse of Freemasonry. By Smith. Ill pages. 



MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 13 

39. Life in the Triangle. By Rob Morris. 170 pages. 

40. Historical Sketch of the Order of Knights Templar. By T. 

S. Gourdin. 41 pages. 
Volume Twenty-fourth — 

41. Manual of Masonic Music. By J. B. Taylor. 336 pages. 
Volume Twenty-fifth — 

42. Masonry and Anti-Masonry. By Alfred Creigh, M. D. 

333 pages. 

43. An Appeal to the Inhabitants of Vermont on the subject of 

the Anti-Masonic Excitement, April, 1829. By Philip C. 
Tucker. 13 pages. 

44. An Address to the Masonic Convention at Middlebury, Ver- 

mont. April 7, 1829. By Jonathan A. Allen, M. D. 
12 pages. 
Volumes Twenty-sixth and Twenty-seventh — 

45. The Freemason's Monthly Magazine, 1855. Two volumes 

400 and 380 pages. 
Volume Twenty-eighth — 

46. The Mystic Tie. By A. G. Mackey. 234 pages. 

47. Narrative of the Anti-Masonic Excitement, 1826 to 1829. 

By Brown. 190 pages. 

48. Oration at the Re-interment of Gen. Joseph Warren, 1776. 

By Percy Morton. 12 pages. 
Volume Twenty-ninth — 

49. Philosophical Philosophy of Masonry. By A. C. L. Arnold. 

284 pages. 
Volume Thirtieth — 

50. Speculative Masonry. By Salem Town. 

51. By-laws of the Lodge of Antiquity. London, 1723. 

52. Ancient Poem on the Constitutions of Masonry, 1325. 

53. The Egyptian and Hebrew Symbols. By Portal. 

What an invaluable Library is this for the use of a well-governed, 
well-instructed, and zealous Lodge, bent upon accomplishing the lofty 
aims of Freemasonry without the calculation of chances or fear of 
failure ! What brother, with generous and laudable aspirations, will 
attempt to stand before the great Fraternity before qualifying himself 
with the knowledge embodied in these books! 



14 MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 

AGENTS FOR SHEREB'S MASONIC PUBLICATIONS. 

ROB MORRIS, Grand Master, Louisville, Ky. 

D. NORCROSS, 44 Sacramento, above Montgomery street, San 

Francisco, Cal. 
JAMES M. HALL, Grand Master, Crockett, Texas. 
Dr. J. B. RANDALL, Marietta, Ga. 
SAM. G-. RISK, Grand Secretary, New Orleans, La. 
CARTER & CABERRY, Jewelers, Chicago, 111. 
JOHN SCOTT, Nevada, Iowa. 
JAMES 0. MELLICK, Detroit, Michigan 
A. S. RUTHVAN, Grand Secretary, Galveston, Texas. 

WM. ADDIS, 

48 Sixth Street, near Walnut, Cincinnati, Ohio, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

MASONIC CLOTHING; 

Master Mason, Royal Arch, Council, and Knights 

Templar Street Clothing, and Costume 

of every Description; 

Collars, Jewels, and Carpets for Blue Lodge, 

Chapter and Council, and Diplomas 

for the Craft. 

On Hand and For Sale, 
"Webb's Monitor, with Rob Morris's Comments. 
Gems of Masonry, Emblematic and Descriptive, by J. Sherer. 
Freemasons' Guide, by R. McCoy. 
Stuart's Freemasons' Manual. 
The Craftsman, by C. Moore. 

— also — 
AlAa OF SUE.B.E.R1S 5» U BIA CATIONS. 



